4 



THE 



YOUNG MAN'S GUIDE 



TRUE GREATNESS. 



BY 



KEY. J. W. KASEY. 




BIG SPEING, IT.: 
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOE. 

1858. 






Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1858, 

By REV. J. W. KASEY, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States 
for the Southern District of Ohio. 

Stereotyped at the Franklin Type Foundry, Cincinnati, O. 
Printed by T. Wrightson & Co. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 



INTRODUCTION, 5 

ESSAY, 13 

LECTUEE I. 
The necessity of Knowledge, 19 

LECTURE IL 
The kind of Knowledge to be obtained, 37 

LECTURE m. 
The means of acquiring Knowledge, 57 

LECTURE IV. 
The Laws of Nature, or the government of the natural 

world, 77 

LECTURE Y 
Duty to Parents, 97 

LECTURE YI. 
Patriotism, or love of our country, 118 

LECTURE YIL 
Intemperance — its evils, 140 

LECTURE YIII. 
Formation of a good moral character, 163 

LECTURE IX. 
Means of success in life, 188 

(iii) 



iv CONTENTS. 

LECTURE X. 
Means of success in life — continued, 206 

LECTURE XI. 
Evidences of the truth of Christianity, 226 

LECTURE XIT. 
Bible a Divine revelation, 249 

LECTURE Xin. 
Bible a Divine revelation, — continued — Three objections 

answered, 264 

LECTURE XIV. 

Necessity of investigating Christianity as a science, 280 

LECTURE XV. 
The advantages of reading the Bible, 294 

LECTURE XVI. 
The Sabbath as a moral institution, 312 

LECTURE XVII. 
A Sermon or Lecture on Divine direction, 327 



INTRODUCTION. 



In presenting the following lectures to the pub- 
lic, we are well apprised of the fact, that very few 
writers possess the ability to please all who may 
read their writings. Objections are often urged 
against the writings of those whose works have 
accomplished a vast amount of good. While one 
objects to the language used by a certain author, 
and another to his style, others seem to admire 
both the language and style of the same author. 
Hence, while the writings of some of the most 
popular and distinguished writers of the age are 
greatly admired by some, they are severely criti- 
cised and censured by others. And, as we have 
but little experience as a writer, it may be ex- 
pected that some things have escaped our notice, 
in the following work, which should be corrected. 

Our object has been, however, not so much to 
please the fancy, or to baffle the skill of the critic, 
as to instruct the young, who have but little 
experience of the ways of the world, and to di- 
rect their attention to those moral principles and 
sentiments which may, in future, induce them to 
shun the ways of vice, and pursue the paths of 
virtue and happiness. 

When we look over this country, and see hun- 

(5) 



6 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

dreds and thousands of young men, some of whom 
are just engaging in the busy scenes of life, and 
others just coming to the years of maturity, well 
may we ask, " What will they accomplish in the 
after-time of their lives ? Will they take rank 
with the benefactors, or with the scourgers of 
their race ?" Will they be governed by the moral 
and religious sentiments so prevalent in some 
portions of this country ; or will they be gov- 
erned by false sentiments and improper influences, 
and thus become a curse to all with whom they 
associate, and finally plunge into eternal ruin? 
How important the inquiry ! 

It is very natural for those who feel concerned 
about this matter, to inquire, who shall instruct 
and guide the youths of this country? Who 
shall point out to them the path of safety, and 
guard them against all the snares and besetments 
to which they are exposed? Who, by their ex- 
ample and influence, shall lead them in the way 
which will be most conducive to their happiness 
and usefulness ? 

It would seem at first thought, that there could 
be but one correct answer to these important 
questions ; for it will readily be admitted by all, 
that it is the duty of parents and guardians to 
instruct and train the youths committed to their 
care. But, if the former fail to do their duty in 
this respect, shall the latter be neglected ? Shall 
they roam through the world without some kind 
hand to lead them, or some friendly voice to coun- 



INTRODUCTION. 7 

sel them when danger is near? Or will those 
who feel interested in their future welfare, care- 
fully watch their steps, and shield them from those 
influences so well calculated to give a wrong bias 
to their minds, and lead them to destruction ? 

At no period, perhaps, in the history of this 
country, have parents been so perfectly indiffer- 
ent as to the physical, moral, and intellectual 
training of their children, as at the present. As 
a general thing, parents, in this respect, seem not 
to realize their responsibility. A few seem to feel 
that it is right to " train up their children in the 
way they should go," and are disposed to act ac- 
cordingly. But a large majority of them seem 
to be going upon the principle, that they are in 
no way responsible for the future welfare of those 
committed to their charge. Hence they are living 
in the neglect of a very important duty. 

Hundreds and thousands of parents may be 
found in our midst, who seem to be as indiffer- 
ent about the future destiny of their children, as 
if there was no relationship existing between 
them at all. A great many of them manifest in- 
finitely more concern for their horses and mules, 
and especially for their servants, than they do for 
their children. This, we know, is a hard saying, 
and it is with shame that we make such a de- 
claration; but it is true, notwithstanding. 

We have seen parents accompany their chil- 
dren to the bar of civil justice, and look on while 
the just penalty of the law was inflicted upon 



8 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

them, without manifesting the slightest emotion. 
And worse than this, seemed inclined to justify 
and uphold them in the commission of crime, 
when there was positive evidence of their guilt. 
]STow, when such things are common among pa- 
rents, how, we ask, can it be expected that their 
children will pursue the path of virtue and mo- 
rality ? 

But, then, if parents knew, and were disposed, 
in all respects, to do their duty toward their off- 
spring, many of them are called away from the 
shores of mortality long before their children come 
to the years of maturity or accountability — long 
before they are prepared to act for themselves in 
any capacity whatever. The consequence, in many 
instances is, that although their physical wants 
may be well attended to, in a moral and intellec- 
tual point of view they are almost entirely ne- 
glected. As thousands of youths, then, are left 
unprotected and uncared for, in a world where 
there is so much to lead them astray, we ask 
again, who shall influence them to " be followers 
of that which is good ?" Will not every genuine 
patriot, every sincere philanthropist, in view of 
the welfare of his country, if from no higher con- 
sideration, lend a helping hand? 

The facilities for acquiring scientific knowledge, 
and for gaining information in regard to the va- 
rious business pursuits, are so numerous at the 
present day, that young men are qualified for al- 
most any kind of business, long before the moral 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

principles, by which they should be governed, 
are well established in their minds. The result is, 
they are sent out into the world to transact busi- 
ness, when they are wholly unprepared to resist 
those influences which poison the minds of so 
many at an early age, and bring upon them swift 
destruction. And among the first things we hear 
of them afterward is, they have departed from the 
path of rectitude, brought disgrace upon them- 
selves, and are, with rapid steps, traveling in the 
broad road to ruin. 

And can any thing be done to change this state 
of things among the young men of this country? 
We answer, that much may be done to better the 
jcondition of those youths, who, by adversity or 
neglect, have been deprived of parental instruc- 
tion, if the better informed portions of each com- 
munity will act well their part. No one, we think, 
who is animated by a proper spirit, when he looks 
to the future destiny of his country, and especially 
to the present and eternal welfare of the rising 
generation, can be indifferent or inactive in regard 
to a matter of so much moment. 

Several volumes have been written in the last 
few years, containing a series of lectures addressed 
to young men, by writers who are distinguished 
alike for their natural abilities and their literary 
attainments; and they justly merit the best wishes 
of every good citizen for their noble and patriotic 
efforts in behalf of the young. Their works have 
been circulated extensively among that class of 



10 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

young men to whom they were addressed, and 
have evidently done an immense amount of good. 
They were written, however, more eapecially for 
the benefit of young men engaged in studying 
the learned professions, or who have already dis- 
tinguished themselves as men of science and 
learning. Their influence, therefore, has been 
confined to a very narrow channel notwithstand- 
ing the correctness of the sentiments which they 
contain. The language and style, and, in many 
instances, the illustrations of the authors just re- 
ferred to, are not well adapted to the capacity of 
a majority of the young men of this country. 

This difficulty, we think, has been avoided in 
the following work. We have, of design, em- 
ployed the plainest language, and have set forth 
our ideas in the most simple and familiar style. 
"We have aimed, also, to embrace, in the course 
of the following lectures, every point to which 
the attention of the young should be directed— 
so far, at least, as their physical comfort and 
their moral and intellectual well-being are con- 
cerned — and, at the same time, have not failed 
to direct attention to those things which bear 
directly upon man's immortal interests. 

This we have done, because we thought it was 
necessary — because we are well convinced, after 
close observation for several years, that the young 
are shamefully neglected in this land, where civil, 
moral, and religious institutions are so numerous; 
and because we are well satisfied, that if measures 



IOTEODUCTIOlNr. 11 

are not adopted, and that very soon, for the 
moral improvement of the young in our midst, 
some of whom are to be our lawmakers, rulers, 
and guides, at least in a civil and social point of 
view, the stars and stripes of our beloved country 
will soon trail in the dust, and no one will be 
left to build up and sustain her institutions. 
Already have things come to such a pass, in our 
legislative and senatorial halls, that those who 
have been chosen by the people to enact laws 
and to transact the business of state, can not 
meet and remain together for any length of time, 
for this purpose, without getting into a quarrel, 
which commonly ends in a general melee, if not 
in some thing else more disgraceful. And why, 
we ask, is this the state of morals among those in 
high places as well as among those in the lower 
walks of life? It is from the fact that they have 
not been properly instructed in the days of their 
youth. 

It is generally the case, with most authors at 
least, in presenting their works to the public, to 
offer some apology for so doing; and we think it 
proper that they should. And if the reader will 
examine the last two or three paragraphs pre- 
ceding this, he will find the substance of our 
apology for writing and presenting the follow- 
ing lectures to the public. 

In writing the work now before the reader, we 
have very often referred to the writings of other 
authors upon the various topics discussed, for in- 



12 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

struction, and acknowledge ourselves greatly in- 
debted to them for the information they have 
given us. It may be seen, also, that their writings 
have been quoted in quite a number of instances. 
This was often done from memory, as their works 
were not before us ; while, in other instances, we 
were more fortunate. We think the reader will 
perceive the appropriateness of each quotation, 
and its immediate connection with the subject 
under consideration. 

Our object has been, as before stated, to benefit 
the young and rising generation. How well we 
may have succeeded in our undertaking, we must 
leave the developments of the future to decide. 
If the present work should be instrumental in 
elevating the condition of the young, morally and 
intellectually — if it should induce them to forsake 
the paths of vice, and walk in the way of virtue 
— above all, if it should influence them to obey 
the commands of their Creator, to seek his favor, 
and to strive for eternal life, we shall have accom- 
plished the great end which we have had in 
view. 

J. W. KASEY. 

Big Spring, April Ihth, 1858. 



ESSAY. 



"While it may be said that the young men of 
this country deserve credit for their politeness, 
affability, and general good behavior, it is also 
true that they are sadly deficient as to general 
information. "We have no doubt but that they 
are as well informed in this country, as a general 
thing, as in any other country in the world; but 
it is still lamentably true, that not more than one 
out of every hundred has acquired that degree 
of intellectual knowledge that is commensurate 
with his opportunities. It may be said that they 
are honest, that they have acquired habits of 
industry, and that they are just in all their deal- 
ings with others. It may truly be said, that a 
large majority of them have a high regard for 
the rights of others, and that they would not 
stoop so low, in trading, as to take advantage of 
the ignorant in any business transaction what- 
ever; and yet thousands are to be found in our 
midst, who are ignorant almost of the first prin- 
ciples of knowledge. 

To acquire knowledge, investigation, study, 
and diligent research are necessary. And, with 
most young men, this is quite an irksome task. 
And it is, therefore, a difficult matter to get them 

(13) 



14 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

to undertake it with that degree of determination 
and energy which are necessary to success. Hence, 
a very small portion of their time is spent in the 
acquisition of knowledge. The result is, they are 
ignorant of all the leading questions and general 
topics of the day. If young men would pay as 
much attention to the means of acquiring know- 
ledge as they should, they would be as wise at 
the age of fifteen, and as well prepared for the 
common avocations of life, as they are, under 
existing circumstances, at the age of twenty-one. 
But day after day, and year after year, is care- 
lessly thrown away by them, and they grow up 
to manhood wholly unprepared for its duties and 
responsibilities. 

It is to be deeply regretted that hundreds and 
thousands of young men in this country are 
growing up in ignorance, who evidently possess 
superior intellectual faculties. Many of them 
have minds capable of grasping a vast amount of 
useful knowledge, of mastering all the leading 
questions of the day. They might stand high 
among the great men of this nation, and influ- 
ence for weal the political and moral destiny of 
this country, and might justly be classed with 
the most learned and scientific men of this age; 
and yet, strange to tell, they are spending their 
time in idleness, and seem to have no aspirations 
after true greatness. 

These things are true, not only of the poor, 
who are apt to excuse themselves on the score 



ESSAY. 15 

of poverty, but among young men in independent 
circumstances, who have every facility that heart 
could wish for the acquisition of knowledge. If 
they had among them but few books, and but few 
institutions of learning, and lived in some dark 
corner of the earth, but little could be expected 
of them. But as it is, in this country, knowledge 
is diffused in almost every conceivable way, and 
it may be accumulated rapidly by all wiio will 
but use the means to that end. 

To see clearly illustrated the truth of what we 
have just said, go to any of the principal com- 
mercial houses of this country, and you are there 
met by a polite young gentleman, who seems to 
be free and easy in his manners, and is quite 
willing to accommodate you to any reasonable 
extent. You will soon perceive that he is well 
posted in the business in which he is engaged, 
that he can give you the technical phrases per- 
taining to that business, and that, so far as that 
particular branch of business is concerned, he is 
not at a loss, either for language or ideas, in 
giving you all the information you may wish. 
But now, business having been attended to, sit 
down for a few moments' conversation on natural 
or revealed religion ; or on intellectual, moral, or 
physical science; or upon any other subject that 
does not necessarily bear upon his line of busi- 
ness; and nine times out of ten you will find 
that he has paid but little attention to these 
things, if he is not altogether ignorant of them. 



16 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

The same is true when applied to those en- 
gaged in mechanical, agricultural, and profes- 
sional pursuits. That young mechanic understands 
his trade ; and to examine his works you will 
soon discover marks of genius, and evidences of 
mechanical skill; but now introduce, as a topic 
for conversation, some literary or scientific ques- 
tion, and you will soon find that he is perfectly 
ignorant in regard to it. And so it is with young 
men generally, be their trade or profession what 
it may. 

And why, we ask, is this the case? It does 
not originate in a want of capacity, of educational 
facilities, or opportunities for acquiring informa- 
tion. What then ? It is the result of neglecting 
the means of acquiring knowledge, with which 
every young man in this country is so abundantly 
furnished. They will examine every principle and 
rule connected with their trade or profession, and 
make themselves familiar with every point that 
bears, either directly or indirectly, upon their 
regular business, but, beyond this, they seem to 
have no curiosity. Having mastered their trade, 
they are satisfied, so far as intellectual attainments 
are concerned; and, instead of studying history 
and natural science, instead of having the mind 
well stored with intellectual and useful knowledge, 
they have no taste for the one, no desire for the 
other, and are not qualified for society or for any 
rational enjoyment. 

How we are aware of the fact, that a majority 



ESSAY. 17 

of the young men among us have to spend most 
of their time in attending to their regular busi- 
ness, and that its peculiar claims should be pro- 
perly attended to ; but, at the same time, we are 
satisfied that, if they would spend their hours of 
relaxation from business in studying some branch 
of natural science, or in pursuit of intellectual 
knowledge, they would soon acquire a vast 
amount of useful information, and be qualified 
to fill the most responsible stations among men. 

Old men are now to be found in this country, 
who have lived all their lives in obscurity and 
ignorance, from the fact that they paid no atten- 
tion to the means of acquiring knowledge in their 
younger days, who might now, if they had pur- 
sued a different course, be standing side by side 
with the greatest orators, statesmen, and philoso- 
phers of the present age. And, what is still 
worse, there are youths in this country, in whose 
behalf nature has been lavish of her gifts — whose 
minds are capable of very great expansion and 
improvement — who are surrounded with the most 
favorable circumstances for the acquisition of 
general information, and who might, in a short 
time, distinguish themselves as men of the high- 
est order of talents, but who, for want of energy 
and industry in the pursuit of knowledge, are 
destined to walk in the humbler paths of life, 
unknown to those by whom they might have 
been honored. 

This last reflection is enough to sadden the 
2 



18 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

heart of every genuine patriot. In fact, no 
individual who is prepared to appreciate the value 
of knowledge, can look at this subject in its true 
light, and not feel a deep interest in the mental 
as well as moral improvement of the young men 
of this country. That man who has no desire 
for the diffusion of knowledge among the young 
of all classes of society, has but little regard for 
the welfare of his country, and would not do to 
risk if her interests were in danger. 

To the young reader, then, we will say, in the 
language of the wise man, " get wisdom, and with 
all thy getting, get understanding." Be not 
among the ignorant, who seem never to look be- 
yond their physical wants and necessities, but 
seek earnestly for a liberal share of general infor- 
mation, and rest not satisfied until you have ob- 
tained it. Resolve to write your name high up 
in the temple of knowledge; and, if you do not 
excell all others, you will at least obtain for your- 
self an honorable position among the wise and 
the learned, and open to your mind a wide field 
for contemplation and enjoyment. 



LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 



LECTURE I. 

THE NECESSITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 

In all ages of tlie world much has been 
thought, said, and written about knowledge. It 
was the theme of inspired prophets and apostles, 
has been earnestly sought for by all who were 
capable of appreciating its value, and has, in 
lovely and sublime strains, been presented to our 
minds as a means of present and eternal happi- 
ness, not only by moralists and philanthropists, 
but by the wisest and best men of all nations. 

Knowledge has been the means of averting im- 
pending danger to communities and nations, has 
shielded them from the attacks of their enemies, 
placed their laws and institutions upon a firm 
and solid basis, opened channels of communica- 
tion from one nation to another, and, in a civil 
point of view, has, in many instances, elevated 
them to the highest point of improvement and 
greatness. It enlarges the views, and controls, to 
a proper extent, the feelings of those by whom 
laws are enacted; nerves the arm of those whose 

(19) 



20 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

duty it is to execute them, and thus secures the 
largest amount of prosperity and happiness to 
those who are governed by them. It expands 
the intellectual powers of the man, gives proper 
tone and direction to his mind, enlarges his 
sphere of usefulness, quickens all his energies, 
and qualifies him to contend successfully against 
the greatest difficulties. 

JSTot so, however, of ignorance. Where it pre- 
vails, the worst state of society is to be looked 
for. Where it controls the mind, there is anarchy 
and confusion, disloyalty and misery, and almost 
every evil that we can possibly imagine. "Judg- 
ment is perverted by prejudices, and reason sub- 
jected to vicious affections. The conduct, which 
ought to have been the result of judgment and 
prudence, is impelled by sense and appetite ; and 
he whose powers, had they been rightly im- 
proved, would have allied him to angels, and 
stamped upon his nature the image of God, is 
reduced to a situation little superior to the irra- 
tional part of the creation; the subject of instinct, 
and the slave of passion." 

Viewed in this light, it will be seen that igno- 
rance is the greatest evil with which mankind 
can be afflicted. This fact has long been evident 
to the minds of all serious observers. But how- 
ever true this may be, many persons are to be 
found, who are ever ready to stand forth as the 
advocates of ignorance; and are willing, when- 
ever the opportunity offers, to assist in extendiug 



THE NECESSITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 21 

"the empire of darkness." As to the object that 
such men have in view, we are not prepared to 
determine. It would seem, however, that their 
object is to increase their importance on the one 
hand or on the other, to keep the multitude in 
darkness, that they may the more easily accom- 
plish their evil designs among them. Be this as 
it may, all such men should be looked upon as 
determined enemies to their fellow-beings. For- 
tunately for the young men of this country, but 
few of this class of men have the nerve to express 
their sentiments upon this subject, or to advocate 
the cause of ignorance in any way before the 
public. 

Young persons, however, should be on their 
guard, for this class of men are trying in a secret 
way to envelope the minds of the people in dark- 
ness, and their movements can not be too closely 
observed. 

We adopt, the noble sentiments contained in 
the following language : " One thing, however, is 
evident, humanity, reason, and religion, all join in 
condemning the attempt, and all conspire to pre- 
vent its success. Thank Q-od, it can not be suc- 
cessful. The sun of knowledge is risen, and 
darts toward the meridian; and though those 
who " love darkness rather than light," may look 
out from their murky dens, and hoot at the dif- 
fusive radiance, its orb stands too high for them 
to reach, and its beams spread too wide for them 
to contract." 



22 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

In this country, as well as in various other 
nations of the earth, thousands and millions are 
busily engaged in the diffusion of knowledge 
among the people. They feel satisfied that it is 
the great lever by which mankind is to be ele- 
vated from the thralldom of ignorance, supersti- 
tion, and vice, to a position where they may bask 
in the sunshine of science, and breathe the pure 
air of civilization and refinement; and where 
they will be prepared to enjoy the blessings which 
our benevolent Creator has offered to those who 
will obey his laws, and be governed by the dic- 
tates of reason and common sense. Taking this 
view of the subject, no one will be surprised at 
the efforts that are being made for the general 
diffusion of knowledge. 

But we notice, more especially, the necessity, or 
the importance of knowledge. 

First, it is the source of unbounded pleasure. 
He, whose mind is well stored with information, 
has constant access to fountains of pleasure to 
which the ignorant are entire strangers. His 
capacious mind and vivid imagination are in- 
cessantly feasting upon the monuments of art, 
the beauties of nature, and the developments of 
science. Wealth, honor, and fame do not afford 
him half the amount of pleasure that he enjoys, 
while he beholds the harmonious movements of 
the heavenly bodies, the regular operations of the 
machinery of nature, the splendor of the universe, 
and the wonderful adaptation of all, with infinite 



THE NECESSITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 23 

skill, to the condition and wants of the human 
family. When he is not employed in the com- 
mon avocations of life, these things afford con- 
stant exercise to the powers of his mind, and 
produce pleasure of a kind more pure and ele- 
vated than can possibly be found in any of the 
gratifications of sense. 

He acquired a thirst for knowledge in the days 
of his youth. He sought for it earnestly upon 
the right, and upon the left, with a zeal and de- 
termination which are always rewarded with suc- 
cess. He had, it may be, to contend with diffi- 
culties that were almost insurmountable, to submit 
to a great deal of hardship, and many privations ; 
but now he stands upon a lofty eminence, with 
nothing to obstruct his view, and the face of na- 
ture in beautiful array, is spread out before his 
anxious gaze; and with peculiar delight he sur- 
veys the sublime scenes around him. 

He may perceive that some parts of the machin- 
ery are complicated, and wonderfully mysterious 
in their movements, some things beyond the 
powers of his mind to comprehend, but these 
things seem only to quicken his energies, while 
he makes one new discovery after another. And 
while he beholds the earth clothed in beauty at 
his feet, the firmament decked with beauty above 
his head, the sun going forth "as a strong man 
to run a race," and the stars, which, to his mind, 
are so many habitable worlds, floating through 
immensity, pleasurable sensations are produced 



24 LECTUEES TO YOUNG ME1ST. 

upon the mind, which cause those delightful emo- 
tions that mortal tongue can not describe. 

But how different from this, is the case of that 
man who is destitute of knowledge! He sees no 
beauty in nature, nor does he entertain any of 
those lofty views of her sublimity and grandeur. 
The stars, to him, are so many spots of light in 
the distant sky. The clear evidences of Divine 
power and infinite skill, as manifested in every 
valley and upon every hilltop, in every plant and 
flower, as well as in the soft and pleasant breeze 
that fans his brow, are all unobserved by him, and 
exert no special influence upon his mind. Amid 
all, he stands unmoved, thinking only of the pre- 
sent, and of surrounding circumstances, as they 
bear immediately upon his worldly interests. 

His views of things are so contracted and narrow, 
that he is wholly unprepared to appreciate any of 
the blessings of life. He is so self-important, so 
wise in his own conceit, that he will not listen to 
the voice of instruction ; for, already, in his own 
estimation, " he is wiser than seven men that can 
render a reason." The result is just what might 
be expected by all sensible men. He is wrong in 
theory, worse in practice; the dupe of every new- 
fangled notion, prone to fanaticism and supersti- 
tion, and is a monster to be dreaded in civilized 
society. By his influence, he leads others into the 
paths of vice, misery, and destruction, and thus 
counteracts the efforts of the wise and good in all 
their attempts to ameliorate the condition of man, 



THE NECESSITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 25 

and raise him higher in the scale of intelligence 
and happiness. 

But knowledge is a source of pleasure, from 
the fact, that it gives man proper control of him- 
self. " Ignorance is the parent of vice," and 
wherever it prevails, it debases man, and makes 
of him an abject slave— a slave to his natural pro- 
pensities. The faculties of the mind and the func- 
tions of the body, are enchained by the appetites 
and passions which always prove to be the worst 
tyrants in the world. He may, at times, in view 
of his associations in life, get a glimpse of better 
things, and have some faint desires for freedom 
from the thralldom of ignorance and the reign of 
darkness, but he has not the moral courage to 
throw off the restraints of passion, and enjoy the 
liberty that is realized by the " wise and prudent." 

His intellectual vision is so completely obscured 
by ignorance, that he can not see with sufficient 
distinctness, a higher state of joy and pleasure to 
arouse him to action, and prompt him to those 
efforts by which he might be made free. " A 
slave to his appetites and propensities, he debases 
the man into the brute, blunts the edge of every 
tender feeling, and hardens himself against every 
generous emotion. Conscience, so repeatedly in- 
sulted, ceases to warn him of danger; and his 
passions, rendered licentious by indulgence, carry 
him beyond the power of resistance, to every ob- 
ject they propose, however unlawful, and how- 
ever injurious. The frequency of practice con- 
3 



26 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

firms his habits, till they become too imperious to 
admit of the smallest hope of reformation, and 
leave us no other prospect than that of a rational 
and immortal creature, formed for communion 
with his God in the world, and intended to par- 
ticipate his glory in the world to come, filling up 
the measure of his iniquities, and ripening for 
destruction." * % ^ " This is, perhaps, the 
reason why such characters, in the intervals of 
labor, fly from themselves, and fill up their leisure 
hours with the grossest indulgence of intemper- 
ance. Intellectual vigor they do not possess; and 
the ambition of improvement they do not feel; 
they shun the company of the wise and sober, 
where they sink by comparison; and, mingling 
with the dregs of society, they corrupt by their 
practice, and destroy by their example." 

While, on the other hand, knowledge bursts 
asunder the involving clouds of darkness that 
shroud the mind of men in ignorance, and en- 
ables him to view himself in the proper light; 
to view himself as a being possessing reason and 
judgment, which distinguish him from the beasts 
that perish, and constitute the true dignity of his 
nature. It breaks oft' the shackles of ignorance, 
by which he has been bound, lifts him above that 
which is low and sensual, liberates him from the 
sway of his passions, and enables him to appre- 
ciate and to enjoy the rich provisions of a benefi- 
cent Creator. Let all young persons, then, re- 
member, that in order to enjoy substantial and 



THE NECESSITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 27 

elevated pleasure, the mind must be enlightened, 
and natural propensities must be controlled by the 
powers of reason. 

In the next place, knowledge is necessary, from 
the fact, that it is the foundation of correct moral 
sentiments, and a consistent course of conduct. 

"Where knowledge is generally diffused among 
a people, they are capable of enacting just and 
wholesome laws, and such as will secure their 
interests and promote their happiness. But if 
knowledge, in any way is prevented from spread- 
ing itself through all the inferior ranks of society, 
" disorganization, savage independence, and bar- 
barian stupidity must be the unavoidable conse- 
quences." It was said by the wise man, " Know- 
ledge is power, and wisdom is better than strength/' 
It is knowledge that constitutes the great differ- 
ence that may be perceived between savage and 
civilized society. For if you will examine the 
history of all civilized nations, you can but observe 
that they have owed the improvement of their 
condition, to the improvement of the mind. " The 
comforts and conveniences of life, useful arts, salu- 
tary laws, and good governments, are all the pro- 
ductions of knowledge." 

To see more clearly the truth of this proposi- 
tion, let your mind dwell upon the condition of 
those nations where ignorance prevails; where 
the seeds of knowledge have not been scat- 
tered, and where the minds of the people are 
uncultivated, and in a state of darkness, and you 



28 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

will soon discover that selfishness is the predomi- 
nant principle. They seen to have no idea of the 
great principles of justice by which men must be 
governed, if they would mutually promote each 
other's interest and happiness. Benevolence, that 
noble principle, which gives to the wise and good 
those expansive views and feelings, while they 
look at the misfortunes and miseries of their fel- 
low-beings, and prompts them to a course of 
action that is so beneficial in its tendency, is 
scarcely ever heard of among them. Being 
governed by false maxims, they are dissolute in 
their manners, and give a loose rein to their un- 
bridled passions. Having no correct idea of jus- 
tice, they will cheat and defraud each other with- 
out remorse of conscience; and seem to feel, at 
the same time, that they are violating no principle 
of justice or honor. Wherever you go, among 
such a people, you will see the sad evidences of 
the reign of ignorance. 

And now you may propose to enlighten their 
minds by the dissemination of knowledge, and to 
furnish them with a set of laws that will produce 
a better state of things in an intellectual, civil, 
and moral point of view, and you will be looked 
upon as though you were infringing upon their 
rights, and they will oppose all your efforts, how- 
ever honest you may be in your intentions. 

" How often have the salutary measures of the 
patriotic statesman, the discoveries of the saga- 
cious philosopher, the improvements of the in- 



THE NECESSITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 29 

genious artist, and the benevolent institutions of 
the disinterested philanthropist been rendered 
abortive and useless by popular ignorance and 
popular prejudice. The despotism of ignorance 
is of the most imperious nature. Its possession 
of the human mind, at the age of maturity, is 
firm and resisting; and it is only by a kind of 
force that knowledge gains admission." 

But how different is the condition of those whose 
faculties and powers have been brought into pro- 
per exercise, and directed to their proper objects ! 
"What an elevated position do they occupy, when 
compared with those who dwell in the regions of 
darkness! The faculties of their minds are in a 
high state of cultivation, and they are prepared 
to appreciate the advantages of general informa- 
tion. Here the " patriotic statesman," the " dis- 
interested philanthropist," and the " ingenious 
artist" are respected and honored; and the in- 
stitutions of benevolence among them, indicate 
that they can feel for the poor and the distressed, 
and that they are willing to supply their wants. 

Here they are governed by the principles of 
justice, which prompt them to regard, strictly, 
each others rights and interests. They are digni- 
fied in their associations, refined in their manners, 
and patriotic and hospitable in their feelings. 
And as you move among them from time to time, 
you will see evidences, not only of wealth and 
prosperity, but of greatness and strength, and 
will be ready to exclaim — " How lovely are thy 



30 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

dwelling places." These are facts, in regard to 
the influence of knowledge upon the minds and 
conduct of men, with which every young man 
should make himself familiar. 

Again, knowledge is indispensably necessary, 
from the fact that it alone can qualify us for use- 
fulness and true greatness. 

To be useful, is a duty enjoined upon us by 
our Creator, and is enforced upon our minds 
by our associations in life, and the necessities 
of our fellow-beings around us. To be great, 
in the true sense of that term, is not only desir- 
able, but praiseworthy; and to seek after it, in 
moderation, and in the use of the proper means, 
will be looked upon as being right according to the 
strictest rules of moral philosophy. In fact, the 
inspired writers encourage us to imitate the ex- 
ample of those who have become truly great, by 
their deeds of charity, and their noble efforts in 
the cause of humanity. 

Ignorance destroys the usefulness of men. It 
is almost impossible to induce an ignorant man 
to do any thing by which others may be benefited. 
Of what service can he be to the community or 
nation in which he lives? The causes of virtue, 
benevolence, morality and religion, prosper as 
well, if not better, without him than with him ; 
for his mind is so completely darkened by igno- 
rance, that he is wholly unprepared to appreciate 
the advantages of either. He has never traveled 
beyond the precincts of his own immediate neigh- 



THE NECESSITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 31 

borhood, and knows but little of the world, and 
still less of the real wants of the human family. 
Instead of assisting those whose object is to bless 
mankind, he stands directly in their way, and 
opposes all their measures. 

Law, in the estimation of such a man, is a sel- 
fish and unfeeling tyrant ; and he obeys its man- 
dates, not as a matter of principle, but from 
constraint. The executioners of the law are 
looked upon, by him, as being so many agents, 
employed by this tyrant, to oppress and grind 
the poor into the dust, and to lord it over their 
fair heritage. Education, as viewed by him, is a 
useless ornament to the mind, and ministers only 
to pride and ambition. Religion, according to 
his theory, is a well-arranged system, the object 
of which is to accomplish the evil designs of 
those who are seeking for power and earthly 
glory, and to secure their worldly interests. He 
has no use for the Bible, for he is satisfied that 
he is a good theologian without it. He professes 
to be guided by the voice of nature, and the dic- 
tates of reason, while it is evident, to those who 
are better informed, that he is governed by his 
natural inclinations. 

Now, can such a man be useful ? Will he ever 
gladden the hearts of the poor and needy, by 
supplying their wants ? Will he ever lead in 
those wise and patriotic measures, which, upon a 
large scale, are calculated to promote the welfare 
of his fellow-beings ? No. He is too selfish and 



32 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

too unfeeling. He is deaf to the cry of distress, 
and blind to his own best interests, and the in- 
terests of his country. 

He does not care even for the welfare of his 
own family. " His house was never sanctified to 
God by prayer and thanksgiving ; it is the abode 
of licentiousness and discord. His children are 
uninstructed ; they grow up in perverseness ; they 
mature in iniquity. He is a father without autho- 
rity, and without honor. He entails upon his off- 
spring the curse of his example, and they, in 
return, curse his memory." 

On the other hand, when a man is well-in- 
formed and governed by the dictates of wisdom, 
he is prepared to take a more comprehensive 
view of things. He realizes that there are others 
in the world beside himself, that while he has a 
right to claim the attention and assistance of 
others, they have a right to claim the same at his 
hands. He is not unmindful of the fact, that all 
men have " certain inalienable rights" guaranteed 
to them by their God, and by their country, 
and upon these rights he has no disposition to 
trample. 

And more than this, he sees that while some 
are rich and powerful, others are poor and feeble. 
That while some are the observed of all observers, 
others are entirely overlooked and left to pine 
away in wretchedness and misery. And while 
scenes of this kind, one after another, are pre- 
sented to his view, his heart begins to swell with 



THE NECESSITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 33 

benevolent emotions; and soon he may be seen, 
like the true patriot, actively engaged in supply- 
ing the wants of the distressed. He at once, 
though young in years, becomes a guardian of the 
law, a firm and active supporter of all civil and 
religious institutions, a lover of good order and 
harmony in society, an advocate of the right of 
private judgment, is among the foremost in all 
benevolent enterprises, feels a deep interest in the 
prosperity of his country, and is always delighted 
when he sees her institutions in a flourishing 
condition. 

This man is truly great, because he is eminently 
useful; because he is untiring in his efforts to 
better the condition of all classes of society. 
Cicero, Hannibal, Alexander and Napoleon were 
all great men in the common acceptation of the 
term, but if you will examine their history, you 
will find that their footsteps were marked with 
blood, and their career with destruction to the 
best interests of men. They were great to butcher 
their fellow-beings, to trample upon their rights, 
and destroy their property. 

Let the young reader remember then, that if he 
would be truly great, he must be wise, patriotic, 
and benevolent. He must be willing, not only to 
fill high and honorable offices in society, but to 
visit the abodes of poverty and ignorance. He 
must be ready to assist the needy, and to give in- 
struction to those who are in the regions of dark- 
ness. 



34 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

But, finally, knowledge enables us to make 
every thing subservient to our purposes, and con- 
ducive to our happiness. 

It points out, with certainty, the path that leads 
to prosperity and ultimate success in life, and with 
equal certainty to those things which minister to 
our wants, and increase our comforts and joys. 

Examine, if you please, the pages of history, 
and see the physical condition of those who live 
where ignorance prevails; where there are no 
institutions for the diffusion of knowledge, and 
where the light of science has never been per- 
mitted to shine; where the means of civilization 
and general information have been steadily with- 
held from the people, that their minds might be 
kept in their "native state of imbecility/' And 
you will not have proceeded very far in this ex- 
amination, before you will be fully prepared to 
admit the truth of the proposition now under 
consideration. 

Why is it, that among such people, there is so 
much poverty and misery? Why are they desti- 
tute of all the comforts and conveniences of life? 
Why is there such a wide difference between 
their condition and the condition of those who 
live in this country, and enjoy the blessings of 
civilization? Their sun shines as brightly as 
ours ; they have as many gentle showers of rain 
and refreshing breezes as we ; their lands are pro- 
ductive, their local advantages are numerous, and 
yet, their condition is but a step above that of the 



THE NECESSITY OF KNOWLEDGE. 35 

"beasts that perish." Hence we ask, why does 
the traveler among them almost invariably find 
them in a state of nudity and starvation ? 

This question is easily answered. They are 
living in ignorance, and have never studied the 
natural advantages of their country. While all 
nature stands in readiness to minister to their 
wants, and offers them her services, their eyes are 
closed to the fact, and they live and die in 
wretchedness. 

Contemplate for a moment the condition of 
those who live under the boughs of the tree of 
knowledge — who enjoy the light of civilization 
and the benefits of scientific investigation. How 
rich is their portion, and how elevated their con- 
dition ! Their physical wants and real necessities 
have been taken into consideration. They have 
studied successfully the resources of nature, and 
now, like a skillful physician, having discovered 
the nature of the disease, they find but little diffi- 
culty in applying the remedy. 

Assisted by the light of science, they have 
found the key of knowledge, and with it they, 
have unlocked the great storehouse of nature ; 
they have penetrated her secret recesses, and 
found something, in every department, that is 
more or less useful. And while investigating the 
rich provisions of nature for the supply of man's 
wants, the faculties of the mind were called into 
proper exercise, and directed to new and more 
important and desirable objects. 



36 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

They have discovered the great secrets of na- 
ture, and her laws have been laid hold upon; and 
now the earth, the air, the waters seem to have 
been converted into one vast machine to minister to 
man's necessities, and to ameliorate his condition. 

Diseases, in many instances, are arrested in 
their incipiency. The lurking-places of miasma 
have been discovered and destroyed. The electric 
flash has been turned aside from our dwellings, 
and has been converted into a messenger of intel- 
ligence, and daily and hourly is sent from one end 
of our nation to the other. And to some extent, 
the monster death himself seems to be stayed in 
his career of destruction. And now, in every val- 
ley and upon every hilltop the people are pros- 
perous and happy, and cheerfulness and content- 
ment sit undisturbed upon every brow. 

A word to you, young reader, and we will close 
this lecture. If you would be happy, if you would 
be able to control your passions and tempers, if 
you would be useful to others, and enjoy the com- 
forts and conveniences of life, seek for the 
path that leads to the crystal fountain of know- 
ledge. Go to that fountain and drink, until the 
faculties and powers of your mind, under its ex- 
pansive influence, shall fully develop themselves. 
And then you will be prepared to breast the storms 
of life, and live to some purpose in the world. 
For the old adage is still true, " A little learning 
is dangerous ; drink deep of the fountain, or taste 
not at all." 



LECTURE II. 

THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE TO BE OBTAINED. 

We spent, not long since, some twelve months 

in the town (now the city,) of H , on the 

Ohio river. During most of that time, several 
gentlemen in the place kept up a regular debat- 
ing society. We had been there but a short time, 
before we were invited to attend this society and 
listen to the speeches that were to be made by 
these gentlemen, upon the various topics that were 
to be discussed by them from time to time. We 
did so whenever we had the opportunity, with 
pleasure, and we hope to some profit. 

The question discussed the first evening that 
we attended, was this : " Does civilization or the 
general diffusion of knowledge, enhance the hap- 
piness of man?" We were somewhat surprised 
that this question should be discussed, by gentle- 
men of learning and talents, in a town where 
there is as much intelligence as can be found in 
any town of the same size in the west. We won- 
dered then, as we have often done since, how any 
man, of ordinary observation, could, after witness- 
ing the wonderful effects of knowledge, its ten- 
dency to elevate the condition of man socially, 
morally, and intellectually, argue, that we, as a 
people, would be better off, if we were living in 

(37) 



38 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

a state of heathenism, than we are in our present 
condition. 

After having paid some attention to this matter 
for some years past, we are well convinced that 
quite a number of men are to be found in this 
country, who contend that the general diffusion 
of knowledge is not conducive to the happiness 
of man. They take the ground, that an infinitely 
wise Being in giving man his position in the 
world, throws around him, at the same time, the 
means by which he may acquire, without effort, 
all the information that he needs, all for which 
he is responsible. Hence, they maintain that they 
are under no obligations to seek information, that 
they will, as a necessary consequence, in view of 
their associations, obtain all that is necessary. 

ISTow, the secret of the matter is, they are satis- 
fied that as knowledge increases, responsibility 
increases in the same proportion. And this last 
is what they wish to avoid ; and hence, it is almost 
impossible to induce them to use the means by 
which knowledge is to be acquired. They sup- 
pose that if they are destitute of knowledge, that 
they will not be held responsible for their conduct; 
upon the principle, that where little is given, little 
will be required. 

Well, in most things, this is true; but nine 
times out of ten, it is not true when applied to 
knowledge. And, especially in this country, where 
all are furnished with the means of information. 
Ignorance of the law, is no excuse for him who 



THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE. 39 

has violated it, when he might have been familiar 
with its requirements. He who, from ignorance, 
fails to do his duty, can not be excused, if he has 
voluntarily refused to use the means by which he 
might have learned what he ought to do. If we 
have the capacity for, and the means of, acquiring 
information, and are still ignorant, we are just as 
guilty in the sight of an all-wise Being, and in 
the estimation of men, as if we were to neglect 
the performance of any duty, however clearly and 
positively enjoined upon us. 

This principle is clearly set forth in the volume 
of inspiration. The Divine Being there says, by 
one of His prophets : " Because you have rejected 
knowledge, I will reject you." It is evident from 
this language, that they might have been in pos- 
session of the amount of knowledge required, for 
they are represented as rejecting it. The ground 
upon which they were rejected was, that they were 
ignorant, and at the same time, were in possession 
of the means of information. And for this last 
they were held accountable. Thus, we perceive, 
that we are responsible, not only for the use, or 
proper application of knowledge, but for neglect- 
ing the means of acquiring it. Every young man 
should remember that this principle holds good 
at the present day, and will to the end of time, 
in temporal things, as well as in spiritual. If we 
are so ignorant, from our inattention to the means 
of information, that we are of no service to so- 



40 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

ciety, or to our fellow-beings generally, we surely 
will not go unpunished. 

It may be remarked here, by way of more fully 
illustrating this point, that the only hope which 
some men have of eternal life beyond the isthmus 
of time is, that they are ignorant of the plan of 
salvation, as set forth in the Gospel of Christ; 
and they suppose if they remain so, that that igno- 
rance will plead for them in the great day of 
accounts. What a vain calculation ! Can any 
reasonable individual suppose, that after the light 
of revelation has been steadily poured upon man's 
pathway from the cradle to the tomb, that after 
messengers, one after another, have been sent to 
point out to him the course that he should pur- 
sue, and, that after the volume of nature has been 
spread out before his eyes to urge him to walk in 
the path of duty, that he will be permitted to 
escape punishment, and enjoy endless happiness, 
simply because he lived and died in ignorance? 
Surely not. This is a sandy foundation, and no 
man should build upon it. 

To the young men of America, let me speak 
of better things. Throw off the shackles of ig- 
norance. Take a higher stand, and a more reason- 
able position. Strive lawfully for the prize. Seek 
not to screen yourself from responsibility by living 
in ignorance, but use all the means in your power 
to acquire knowledge. And if with it comes re- 
sponsibility, meet it like a man of courage and 



THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE. 41 

intelligence who had prepared himself well for 
the contest, and in every conflict you will be vic- 
torious, and reap at last, a rich reward. 

We design noticing, however, more especially, 
the kind of knowledge to be obtained. 

We remark here that there are so many kinds 
of knowledge that are important, as being a means 
of usefulness and happiness to man, that we shall 
have to pass by several departments, and leave 
them altogether unnoticed. As we design notic- 
ing in another lecture the importance of religious 
knowledge, we purpose in this, to direct the at- 
tention of young men to that which is more gen- 
eral and practical, as well as moral in its charac- 
ter and tendency, and relates to men and things 
in this life. 

In the first place, then, we should acquire a 
knowledge of ourselves. 

We should be well acquainted with our own 
mental and physical powers, capabilities, and 
qualifications. One great object to be kept in 
view, by those situated as we are, should be the 
welfare of those around us, as our own interests 
and welfare are intimately connected with theirs. 
A very important inquiry with us, then, should be, 
what can we do that will have a beneficial ten- 
dency in reference to ourselves and others? 

Every young man should inquire, as soon as he 

comes to the years of manhood, what course 

shall I pursue that I may be successful in life, 

and secure the great ends of my present exist- 

4 



42 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

ence? In what department shall I labor? Where 
can I be most useful? Shall I handle the spade, 
the sword, or the scepter? Have I the voice of elo- 
quence that will thrill the minds of the multitude, 
and move them to the adoption of those princi- 
ples and measures that will best secure their in- 
terests and safety; or will it be better for me to 
walk in the more quiet paths of life, and operate 
in some sphere of action that is more limited? 

Study to know the number of talents that you 
possess, and how you may employ them to the 
best advantage. Rest not satisfied with a mere 
casual knowledge of yourself, but continue the 
investigation until you are thoroughly acquainted 
with your mental and physical powers. And then 
it will be, comparatively, an easy matter for you 
so to shape your course in life, that you may be 
eminently useful to all with whom you may be 
associated. 

"Know thyself," was a maxim of one of the 
seven wise men of Greece. And a greatly ad- 
vanced state of civilization, famed for mental and 
moral improvement, has only demonstrated more 
fully, the importance of giving it our attention. 
Want of self-knowledge has led many men to 
seek for, and to obtain the wrong position, so far 
as their usefulness was concerned, however pure 
their motives, or honest their intentions. Men 
are often found in the halls of the Legislature and 
Senate that should be in the workshop. Some in 
the Cabinet that should be on our frontiers, where 



THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE. 43 

they would have more skill in guarding the in- 
terests of our country than they ever will have in 
their present position. 

Some are holding the reins of government, that 
had much better be holding the plow-handles, 
pushing the plane, or engaged in some other busi- 
ness better adapted to their capacity. Many have 
attempted to guide the affairs of State, who, if 
they had followed some mechanical pursuit, and 
given their mechanical genius an opportunity of 
developing itself, would have been more useful, 
and at the same time universally admired on ac- 
count of their skill and ability. It is not unfre- 
quently the case that men attempt to preach the 
Gospel of Christ, when it is evident that they had 
better be "hearers of the word," as they are not 
skillful in the science of theology. And thus we 
might go on in regard to many of the learned 
professions if it were necessary. 

Men often find after it is too late to admit of 
any remedy, that by not examining strictly their 
business qualifications early in life, that they are 
pursuing the wrong course, and have engaged in 
a business not suited to their capacity. And as 
a natural consequence they have failed in every 
effort to get along in the world. Many, after 
making repeated efforts, and having failed in every 
instance, have become disheartened, and relaxed 
all their energies; and could not be induced after- 
ward to engage in business of any kind whatever. 
Disappointed in their expectations, and having 



44 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

no hope of a better state of things, such men 
often seek to relieve their feelings by associating 
with those who belong to the worst grade of so- 
ciety, and in some instances by putting an end 
to their own existence. 

But, we should not only know our strength but 
our weakness. It is said by the wise, that all men 
have their failings, their imperfections. These 
should be carefully studied, and well defined in 
our own minds. We should find out, if possible, 
when and where we are most liable to fail, where 
we are most liable to yield to those influences 
that will have an injurious effect upon the mind, 
and lead us off from the path of duty. And we 
should learn to guard particularly those points. 
For if we fail here, we shall be very apt to be 
disappointed in our calculations, not so much for 
want of energy, but for want of prudence and re- 
flection. 

Now, if young men would only pay proper at- 
tention to this matter at an early day, and become 
well acquainted with the peculiar abilities which 
they possess, they would be fully prepared, in due 
time, to make a judicious selection as to business, 
and as to associations in society, and escape many 
of the calamities to which men are so liable in 
this world. And in addition to this, they would 
be successful in life, eminently useful to others, 
prominent members of society, and admired by 
all who are capable of appreciating their manly 
efforts. 



THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE. 45 

Again, we should acquire a knowledge of oth- 
ers — of men in general. 

This department of knowledge, to a man of 
business, is the most important branch of worldly 
knowledge, to which we could direct the atten- 
tion of young men. They should carefully ex- 
amine every thing that serves to throw light upon 
this subject, for they can but perceive in study- 
ing the habits, motives, and character of man- 
kind, that it is a subject full of interest — full of 
instruction. But, unfortunately for most young 
men in this country, although many of them are 
inclined to study and investigate other subjects, 
they pay but little attention to this. 

"We should learn first, in the study of individual 
character, how to classify properly. In every 
community there are different classes of society, 
different grades of character. Now if we fail 
to distinguish one class from another, and are 
unable to point out the marks that indicate the 
different grades of character, we shall study indi- 
vidual character to but little profit to ourselves. 

We remark here, that almost every community 
may be divided into five distinct classes. First, 
there is a class that possess wealth in abundance, 
but they are proud, haughty, and tyrannical in 
their disposition, and have but little regard for the 
feelings of others. The second class may be said 
to be wealthy, but they are unassuming in their 
manners, willing to accommodate others, and are 
always ready to minister to the wants of the 



46 LECTURES TO YOUXG MEN 1 . 

needy. The third class is in medium circum- 
stances, so far as wealth is concerned, but in other 
respects, may be compared to the second class. 
The fourth class consists of those whose circum- 
stances are quite limited, but they are honorable, 
high minded, and industrious, and justly merit the 
esteem of all good men. The fifth class consists 
of those who have nothing, and want nothing over 
and above what will supply their present neces- 
sities, and minister to their ungoverned appetites 
and passions. To better their condition, seems to 
be almost an impossibility; for they are incapable 
of appreciating the advantages of general infor- 
mation, and seem really to prefer their present 
condition to one that would be much better. 

By thus arranging communities into distinct 
classes, our ideas of individual character will be 
more clear, and we will have much better concep- 
tions of the main springs of human actions, in all 
departments of society. 

Whatever may be our occupation or profession, 
whatever may be the position that we may wish 
to occupy in society, we can not be too well posted 
in regard to the character of those around us. In 
fact, our success, in a business point of view, de- 
pends mainly upon our knowledge of mankind. 
And if we are destitute of this kind of knowledge, 
we will be almost certain to make an entire fail- 
ure, in every thing of a business character, that 
we undertake. 

And more especially is this true, in the case of 



THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE. 47 

those whose business it is to watch and guide the 
affairs of State, and to govern and control the 
great body of the people. Weak will be his 
efforts and slow his progress, if he aims to do so, 
without a knowlege of the character of those who 
are to be guided and governed. 

Quite a number of men are to be found, who 
are patriotic in their sentiments and feelings, and 
have correct ideas of the constitution and laws of 
their country, and of the policy that should regu- 
late the conduct of one nation toward another, 
but when they come to investigate the condition 
of the "local and natural man/' the motives by 
which he is actuated, " and to follow out the the- 
orems of the senate to the daily comforts of the 
cottage," they seem to be altogether deficient. 

They can suggest measures that are patriotic 
and wise, and if they were adopted would have a 
beneficial tendency, and they seem really to feel 
a deep interest in the welfare of the people, but 
they lack that useful and practical information in 
regard to their special character, without which 
they can be of but little service to them. Their 
knowledge of human nature is so limited, and 
their method of associating with men so awkward, 
that they absolutely seem to lose their influence, 
just in the same proportion that they mix with 
the multitude. And while their wise counsels 
should be eagerly listened to by the people, they 
are disposed to treat them with contempt, and 
pass them by altogether unnoticed. 



48 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN, 

Again, we should acquire a knowledge of man- 
kind in a national point of view. 

The people of every nation have their peculiar 
traits of character. There is something in their 
peculiar habits, manners and customs, that dis- 
tinguish them from the inhabitants of all other 
nations. We should remember that there are na- 
tional instincts, sentiments, and characteristics, 
that are to be studied and well understood, if we 
would be well prepared to get along smoothly in 
the world. If a young man fails to acquire a 
knowledge of these national traits, sentiments, and 
peculiarities, he will constantly find himself at a 
loss to know how to act, so as to succeed well in 
what he has undertaken. He will often find that 
his course of conduct is not well adapted to the 
peculiar habits of those with whom he is sur- 
rounded, and that there is a want of fitness in his 
style and method of getting along with them. 

That the point, under consideration, may be 
more distinctly seen, let us suppose that an Amer- 
ican citizen, with all his distinctive sentiments and 
feelings, his mind full of lofty notions in regard 
to the institutions of his country, and proud of 
" the place of his nativity," should go into a com- 
munity of Frenchmen, Scotchmen, or Germans, to 
engage in business for a length of time; and let 
us suppose that he has but little knowledge of 
their habits or dispositions, and, that without re- 
gard to either, he carries on business according to 
the style and customs of his native country. Is 



THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE. 49 

it probable that he will succeed to any great ex- 
tent? 

~No. There will be to them something strange 
and peculiar in his turn, and his manner of asso- 
ciating with them, will not suit their rules and 
regulations in this respect, and, before he can 
accomplish any thing of importance among them, 
he must become familiar with their peculiarities, 
and, as far as he can, without compromising cor- 
rect principles, must adopt their style and method 
of doing business. 

Here, then, we see the importance of paying 
attention to every thing that will assist in giving 
us correct ideas of the individual and national 
character of those with whom we must necessarily 
associate, if we would successfully prosecute any 
branch of business. It will afford us greater op- 
portunities of being useful among them, and at 
the same time, give us correct views of the motives 
by which they are influenced in all their actions 
and movements. 

Again, we should acquire a knowledge of the 
means of self-protection. 

No one, we presume, will for a moment doubt 
as to the propriety of learning how to protect him- 
self, for it is said by the wise, and so far as we 
know has never been successfully controverted, 
" that self-protection is the first law of our nature." 

Now we do not wish to be understood here as 
having reference to the use of the bowie-knife, 
the six-shooting revolver, the sword-cane, or any 
5 



50 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

of those instruments by which so much mischief 
is often done, but to those influences which have 
an injurious effect upon the mind and body, and 
more especially upon the moral conduct, senti- 
ments, and feelings of the man. These are the 
points that are to be guarded by young men, not 
by carrying some concealed weapon, or instrument 
of death, but by having the mind well fortified 
with that more powerful instrument of self-pro- 
tection, useful knowledge. 

Our bodies are liable to a great many accidents 
and dangers, and we should be well apprised of 
the fact, and should learn to be cautious and to 
guard well the point from which danger in these 
respects may be expected. Wholesome food, air, 
exercise, and repose, at the proper time, are neces- 
sary to the well-being of the body, and a proper 
knowledge of, and attention to, the laws designed 
to regulate the physical constitution will be a 
means of health, and will enable us to enjoy more 
fully the comforts of life. "While ignorance of, 
and inattention to, these laws are productive of 
pain, disease, and premature death. 

There are laws also which have special refer- 
ence to the mind — the proper exercise of the in- 
tellectual faculties. They are designed to expand 
the powers of the mind, on the one hand, and on 
the other to protect it from all injurious influ- 
ences. Now a young man can not be too well 
acquainted with these laws. Knowledge of, and 
obedience to them, will give health, vigor, and 



THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE. 51 

elasticity to the mind, call forth all its energies, 
and will qualify him for the attainment of intel- 
lectual knowledge and greatness. While igno- 
rance of these laws will lead to their violation, 
and this to a state but " little superior to idiotism 
itself." 

There are moral laws also, designed for the 
government of man in a moral point of view. 
And in acquiring a knowledge of these laws, we 
are learning to protect ourselves against all im- 
moral influences. Hence they should be studied 
carefully, and well understood by all. It should 
be borne in mind by every young man, that our 
present happiness and eternal well-being depend 
upon obedience to these laws. He should acquire 
a knowledge of them from the fact that they have 
a direct tendency to keep his mind open to im- 
provement, and to the reception of those princi- 
ples which will tend to form his character and 
regulate his life. If he will carefully study those 
laws, he will be enabled to distinguish truth from 
error, and good from evil; to feel the force of 
moral obligation, and to perceive the excellences 
of virtue and morality. 

There are thousands of influences to which the 
young are constantly exposed, which tend directly 
to poison their minds, to destroy their moral sensi- 
bilities, and to lead them into the paths of vice and 
ruin. And if they are ignorant of the rules by 
which alone they can distinguish between right 
and wrong, their position is imminently dangerous. 



52 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

They are to associate with the world as it is, and 
not as it should be. And they will find in it 
many who have disregarded these laws, which 
have respect to man's moral well-being, and have 
lived a life of licentiousness, prodigality, and de- 
bauch, until they are lost to honor, beyond the 
reach of moral influence, and now seem to take a 
fiendish delight in seeking among the virtuous 
young their future companions. 

The first step that such men take, is to deceive 
the young by false notions of morality. They 
will paint their side of the picture in rich and 
glowing colors, and thus lead the young man, 
step by step, along the path of vice and misery, 
and before he is aware of his condition, he is al- 
most in sight of the whirlpool of destruction. 
How important, then, that all young men should 
acquire a knowledge of the means of self-pro- 
tection ! 

Again, you should acquire a knowledge of the 
laws and customs of your country. 

It is expected of every citizen of this country, 
that he will be a law-abiding man; that he will 
be a firm supporter of the constitution and laws 
by which he is to be governed and protected, and 
that he will induce others to do so, as far as is 
at all practicable. To do so it is important that 
you have a correct idea of the nature and charac- 
ter of those laws, and the great objects to be ac- 
complished by them when properly administered. 

You should remember that the law, in this 



THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE. 53 

country, is the guardian of our rights and liber- 
ties, the source of social order and happiness, and 
the principal means of protecting our homes and 
firesides from the encroachments of the lawless 
and the unprincipled. 

But more especially should you be well ac- 
quainted with the customs of the country, in all 
departments of society. Custom, in some respects, 
has almost the binding force of law. And you 
should remember that to depart from the well- 
established customs of good society, is almost as 
dangerous as to violate some well-defined princi- 
ple of the civil law. It will require a good deal 
of close observation to become familiar with cus- 
toms that vary so much in different communities, 
but to be ignorant of them is to run the risk of 
being very unpopular, and to destroy your influ- 
ence and usefulness altogether. 

A young man should never rest satisfied until 
he has learned well how to conduct himself on 
all special, as well as on all ordinary occasions. 
How apt are young men to neglect this matter! 
To know how to conduct yourself in the social 
circle, and how to converse in a smooth and 
agreeable manner, are accomplishments that are 
very desirable, and will always enable you to make 
a favorable impression upon the minds of those 
with whom you may become acquainted. In all 
your associations with men, whether strangers or 
acquaintances, whether you are at home or abroad, 
whether in the streets or in public assemblies. 



54 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

learn to be dignified in your manners, and to 
treat all, who deserve it, with the utmost respect 
and civility. 

If a young man will learn the rules of polite- 
ness, as practiced by the well-informed, how to 
pass himself off in good society, and how to con- 
duct himself with becoming propriety, he will 
soon attract the attention, gain the confidence, 
and secure the friendship of all those whose char- 
acter and influence can assist in giving him posi- 
tion in the world. 

Finally, you should acquire a knowledge of the 
sciences, especially those that may be of sendee 
to you in the common avocations of life. What- 
ever kind of business may engage your attention, 
you will find that a knowledge of the most use- 
ful branches of science is almost indispensably 
necessary. How far you are to push your studies 
in this direction, will, of course, have to be deter- 
mined, to some extent, by the circumstances with 
which you are surrounded. Every young man 
should, at least, acquire a knowledge of natural 
and moral philosophy, chemistry, and astronomy; 
and if it is at all practicable for him to do so, he 
should study mental philosophy, geology, anato- 
my, and physiology. 

"We know that most young men in this coun- 
try are engaged in some kind of business for a 
support, that requires their attention most of their 
time, but still, if they will not waste their time 
by idleness, and will spend their leisure hours in 



THE KIND OF KNOWLEDGE. 55 

studying the sciences just named, they will be 
astonished, at the end of a few years, to see what 
rapid progress they have made. 

The idea prevails with some, and is warmly 
advocated by them, that a man engaged in one 
occupation, need not extend his knowledge be- 
yond it ; but this is a false and dangerous error, 
and no young man should allow himself to be 
misled by it. We have often thought that this 
idea has its origin in selfishness. "When we see 
a man bend all his energies into one channel, and 
direct his whole attention to the business in 
which he is engaged, while he neglects the means 
of information upon every other subject, we can 
but think that he is looking alone to his own 
individual interest. And we are well satisfied, 
that, as a general thing, such men have but little 
or no regard for the welfare and happiness of 
others. 

But we remark here, that it would be impos- 
sible for us, in the course of one short lecture, to 
point out the various kinds of knowledge that may 
be useful to that man who wishes to be well pre- 
pared for the transaction of business, and who 
desires to be eminently useful to his fellow-beings. 
So much is to be learned, and there are so many 
kinds of useful knowledge, and it lies, so to 
speak, in so many different directions, that a 
young man, after candid investigation, will have, 
to a considerable extent, to depend upon his own 
judgment as to the kind of intellectual and prac- 



56 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

tical knowledge that lie will most need to give 
proper direction to the powers of his mind; and 
more especially will this be true, if he intends 
taking a wide range in his efforts to acquire 
knowledge. 

In conclusion, we would say to the young 
reader, rest not satisfied until your mind is well 
stored with intellectual and practical knowledge. 
Make it a point to learn something every day. 
It may seem to you, at times, that you are get- 
ting along very slow in this matter, but remem- 
ber that a majority of the great men in this, as 
well as in other countries, have become so by 
their unremitting efforts to acquire knowledge. 
Many of them done so under the most discour- 
aging circumstances, but now they are reaping 
the rich reward of all their labors. " Go thou and 
do likewise." 

Study man, his weakness, imperfections, and 
errors. Study the Bible, that you may learn 
something of the character, perfections, and will 
of the great Author of your existence; that you 
may realize your accountability to him, and know 
how to serve him. Learn how to be useful and 
happy, how to lighten the burden of others, and 
to cheer them in their sad and lonely hours ; and 
then, although you sink down to the tomb, you 
will still live in the memory of those who have 
been blessed by your efforts. 



LECTURE III. 

MEANS OF ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE. 

We may say, without fear of contradiction, 
that the present age affords more facilities and 
opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge, 
than any that has preceded it. We are aware 
that they had their institutions of learning, phi- 
losophy, and such like, in Egypt, the city of 
Athens, and in portions of the Roman empire, 
and that those who lived in what is commonly 
called the golden age of the world, had some 
advantage over us in acquiring a knowledge of 
the habits and customs of the ancients ; but, when 
compared with the present, it seems to have 
been almost an age of darkness and ignorance. 

Within the last two or three centuries, new dis- 
coveries, one after another, have been made. The 
light of science shines more brightly than ever 
before. All its branches have, been simplified and 
brought within the comprehension of the most 
ordinary mind. The path that leads to the 
temple of knowledge has been made plain, and 
all who wish to travel that path, can do so with 
comparative ease ; at least he will find no insur- 
mountable difficulties in his way. If a young 
man, at the present day, will but take the proper 
steps, and embrace all the opportunities with 

(57) 



58 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

which, he is favored, he will soon become a man 
of learning, a man of science, of historical know- 
ledge, and may possess a vast amount of general 
information. All these may be secured at times, 
when, otherwise, he would be wholly unem- 
ployed. 

But, notwithstanding all these advantages, what 
an astonishing amount of ignorance is to be found 
throughout nearly every portion of this country ! 
Hundreds and thousands are to be found in every 
community — those, too, of whom we might have 
expected better things — who are still groping 
their way in the dark, blind to their own in- 
terests, and traveling at a rapid rate in error's 
path, that leads inevitably to vice, misery, and 
destruction. And what aggravates their case, 
and makes it so much worse with them, is, that 
they have closed their eyes against the light. 
They have not only disregarded the means ot 
instruction, in the use of which they might have 
become wise, but have resisted, successfully, every 
effort that has been made to enlighten their 
minds, and to ameliorate their condition in an 
intellectual point of view, and seem determined 
to live and die in ignorance. 

While such men are to be pitied, they deserve 
to be severely censured for pursuing a course 
that varies so much from the views and feelings 
of those who are more wise in regard to such 
things, and that is attended with so many evil 
consequences which they might so easily avoid. 



MEANS OF ACQUIKING KNOWLEDGE. 59 

Young men in this country, surrounded as 
they are with so many circumstances that are 
favorable to the acquisition of knowledge, should 
remember that their literary attainments and 
acquired abilities are expected to correspond with 
their opportunities. And now, if they are so 
destitute of either, that they are incapable of 
doing any thing to benefit themselves or others ; 
so ignorant, that they are imposed upon by those 
who " lie in wait to deceive," and their rights are 
trampled upon by those who are always seeking 
to get the advantage of the weak, they are looked 
upon, not as those who, by misfortune, are in 
circumstances of distress, but as those who are 
being justly punished for neglecting their duty. 

We would say, then, in the language of an 
able writer, "it is a sober truth, of which every 
young man should feel the force, that, with the 
single exception of a good conscience, no posses- 
sion can be so valuable as a good stock of infor- 
mation. Some portion of it is always coming 
into use ; and there is hardly any kind of infor- 
mation which may not become useful in the course 
of an active life." 

Our principal object in this lecture, is to call 
the attention of young men to some of the most 
important means of acquiring knowledge. These 
are so numerous and so various, that we shall 
aim to notice those only which are evidently the 
most useful. 

The first to which we would direct attention, 



60 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

is observation, or "the notice we take of all oc- 
currences in human life, whether they are sensi- 
ble or intellectual, whether relating to persons or 
things, to ourselves or others." * * All those 
things which we see, which we hear or feel, which 
we perceive by sense or consciousness, or which 
we know in a direct manner, with scarce any ex- 
ercise of our reflecting faculties, or our reasoning 
powers, may be included under the general name 
of observation." This is one of the principal 
means of acquiring knowledge, and without it, 
much that would be interesting and useful will 
never be obtained by us. 

It was said of Washington, the greatest gene- 
ral, statesman, and patriot the world ever saw, 
that he acquired the habit, when quite young, of 
observing closely every event of importance that 
transpired around him. And it was, without 
doubt, this habit, connected with a strong desire 
to obtain general information, that afterward 
enabled him to be so useful to his country, and 
to stand so high in the estimation of the Amer- 
ican people. A distinguished writer in this coun- 
try, after he had completed his education, made 
it a point to pursue the same course. And the 
information that he has acquired in this way has 
been of more service to him as an author than 
that obtained from any other single source. If 
in the social circle, he noticed particularly, all that 
was said and done, and aimed, if possible, to dis- 
cover the motive that prompted the word or ac- 



MEANS OF ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE. 61 

tion, as the case might be. "When surrounded by 
the multitude, his attention was constantly di- 
rected to their movements, that when he left it, 
he might be prepared to give a correct account 
of all that occurred. If he traveled the high- 
way, he observed the natural scenery around 
him, with all its variations, and seemed not to be 
satisfied while any new discovery was to be made. 

This course he pursued until his mind was well 
stored with that varied knowledge that so distin- 
guished him, not only as a great writer, but as a 
useful man. 

This course we would specially recommend to 
all young men. The advantage of so doing is 
obvious. We may be gaining knowledge all the 
time, and every moment of our lives "may be 
adding something to our intellectual treasures." 
Notice closely the various business pursuits of 
life, and the probability of success in one pur- 
suit, when compared with some other. Notice 
the various pursuits and professions in which men 
are engaged, and make yourself as familiar with 
the influence they have upon the morals of those 
who are engaged in them as you possibly can. 
The time may come when this kind of knowledge 
may be of great service to you. 

Observe closely the conduct of men, and their 
professions or pretensions when compared with 
their actions. Notice the difference between the 
general results of vice and virtue. The imme- 
diate connection between the former and misery, 



62 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

and tlie latter and happiness. Study minutely 
the philosophy of this connection, that you may 
see the impropriety of indulging in habits of vice, 
and the importance of a life of virtue. 

When you see a man who has been so unfor- 
tunate as to be arraigned as a criminal at the 
bar of justice, discover if you can, without being 
too officious, the motive by which he was actuated 
in violating the laws of his country. On the 
other hand, if you find a man that is useful and 
influential in a community, find out if you can, 
the secret of his popularity, and the grounds upon 
w^hich he has gained such unlimited confidence 
among those with whom he is associated. And 
thus we might go on to an extent that would be 
tedious. Our object is to impress the minds of 
the young with the importance of paying special 
attention to men and things, as we are satisfied 
that in this way he can obtain correct ideas of 
the philosophy of the human mind, and of the 
various objects and events in the vast universe 
around him. 

" Endeavor, therefore, to derive some instruc- 
tion or improvement of the mind from every 
thing which you see or hear, from every thing 
which occurs in human life, from every thing 
within you or without you. * * * * * Let 
the circumstances or situation in life be what or 
where they will, a man should never neglect this 
improvement, which may be derived from obser- 
vation. Let him rove through the earth or the 



MEANS OF ACQUIKING KNOWLEDGE. 63 

seas, for "his own humor as a traveler, or pursue 
his diversions in what part of the world he 
pleases, as a gentleman ; let prosperous or adverse 
fortune call him to the most distant parts of the 
globe ; still let him carry on his knowledge and the 
improvement of his mind by wise observations. 
In due time, by this means, he may render himself 
some way useful to the society of mankind." 

Again, we may acquire knowledge by paying 
attention to what we hear, and by conversation 
with the wise and experienced. 

It was said by a distinguished writer in Eng- 
land, " if you would be listened to, you must first 
learn to listen." This is not only true but im- 
portant. An immense amount of useful informa- 
tion may be obtained in this way. Here again, 
however, young men are apt to be careless. An 
idea is advanced by some one in their presence 
that strikes their minds with peculiar force on 
account of its truth, its beauty, or its novelty, and 
should be carefully remembered by them. But 
how apt are they to let some trivial circumstance 
divert their attention at the time, and direct it to 
some other object, w^hile this idea, however im- 
portant, is entirely erased from their minds, and 
they are left as blank as if no such idea had ever 
been advanced in their presence. Throughout the 
United States, in every city, town, and village, as 
well as in nearly every community, young men 
have the opportunity of listening to lectures upon 
the various subjects of interest to the American 



64 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

people. Politics, science, morals, and religion are 
regularly discussed in their hearing, and all are 
permitted to listen and judge for themselves. 
What a wide field is opened here for the acquisi- 
tion of knowledge ! Let every young man listen 
and learn, and as he learns, let him treasure it up 
in his mind, and soon he will be well qualified 
for the ordinary duties of life, and may, in due 
time, become a faithful advocate of those pure sen- 
timents that are calculated to adorn the mind, and 
give strength to the moral powers of the man. 

A great deal is to be learned also, by convers- 
ing with men of learning and experience. 

" In generous conversation," said an able writer, 
" among ingenious and learned men, we have a 
great advantage of proposing our private opinions, 
and of bringing our own sentiments to the test, 
and learning in a more compendious and safer 
way what the world will judge of them, how man- 
kind will receive them, what objections may be 
raised against them, what defects there are in our 
scheme, and how to correct our own mistakes; 
which advantages are not easy to be obtained by 
our own private meditations ; for the pleasure we 
take in our own notions, and the passion of self- 
love, as well as the narrowness of our own views, 
tempt us to pass too favorable an opinion on our 
own schemes; whereas the variety of genius in 
our several associates will give happy notice how 
our opinions will stand in the view of mankind." 

"We should remember, too, that it is very pos- 



MEANS OF ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE. 65 

sible for its, many times, to learn something from 
those much below ourselves. Men, sometimes, 
who make no pretensions to wisdom, and are 
comparatively unlearned, may, from their obser- 
vation and experience in the things of this life, 
be well prepared to instruct those who, as yet, 
have but little knowledge of the ways of the 
world." A weaker man may sometimes light on 
truths which have escaped a wiser, and which the 
wiser man might make a happy use of, if he 
would condescend to take notice of them." 

But it may not be out of place, just here, to 
remark, that while we listen attentively to what 
we hear, we should not be unmindful of the fact, 
that there is still a vast amount of error in the 
world. Falsehood is sometimes clothed in beau- 
tiful language, and set forth with a degree of 
earnestness that is well calculated to deceive the 
young and unsuspecting. Theories well calculated 
to mislead the mind, from the ingenuity with 
which they have been devised, have their warm 
advocates, men of fine intellectual attainments, 
whose only object is, to blind the minds of those 
that hear, that they may be able to accomplish 
their selfish purposes. And if we receive every 
thing that we hear as true, we shall be woefully 
imposed upon, and will often find ourselves in the 
dark where all should be as light as day. 

Again, reading and study are means that may 
be successfully used in the acquisition of know- 
ledge. 

6 



66 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

" When we read good authors, we learn the 
best, the most labored, and most refined senti- 
ments, even of those wise and learned men; for 
they have studied hard, and have committed to 
writing their maturest thoughts, and the result of 
their long study and experience." 

The people of this country are as well, if not 
better furnished with books, than any other people 
in the world. Upon every subject of importance 
to which our attention has been directed, books 
have been written. So that if we wish to inves- 
tigate thoroughly any particular subject, we have 
the thoughts and sayings of the best writers and 
speakers to assist us in such investigations. "What 
an advantage have we, in this respect, over those 
who lived but a few centuries before us. In a 
few hours now, by close attention to books, we 
may gain as much information, as could have 
been obtained a few years since, by close appli- 
cation to study for twelve months. 

When we look at the vast amount of books 
scattered throughout this country, and see the sad 
results of ignorance among the people every where, 
it is truly wonderful. That is, it is wonderful to 
see them living in ignorance, when they might so 
easily enjoy the pleasures of knowledge. To ac- 
count for this, and to excuse themselves, a great 
many are to be found who say, " we know that 
books, containing desirable and useful informa- 
tion are abundant, but we have but little time to 
read them. If we had the time that this one and 



MEANS OF ACQUIKING KNOWLEDGE. 67 

the other one has, we would take great pleasure 
in devoting much of our time to the study of 
books. But situated as we are, our business en- 
gagements are such that we have but little time 
to spend in that way." 

"Well, with the generality of young men in this 
country, this declaration is false in fact, and wrong 
in principle. For it may be observed, as a general 
thing, that when such men are free from all busi- 
ness engagements, they almost invariably amuse 
themselves in some other way than by paying at- 
tention to books. Which puts the matter beyond 
doubt, that the only difficulty in their way is want 
of inclination. 

Ask that young man why he does not spend 
more of his time in his studies ; and he will tell 
you that he can not spare the time. But notice 
him for a short time, and you will see that he 
has time to go to the bowling saloon, the theater, 
the circus; he has time for a large share of so- 
ciety and amusement; if friends are to meet 
together for a few hours of social enjoyment, he 
can be there without fail ; in fact, he has time to 
gratify himself in almost every way that may be 
proposed, but no time to read. 

Now, we ask, would it not be better for that 
young man to spend less of his time in the pur- 
suit of pleasure, and more of it in the pursuit of 
knowledge ? Would it not be better for him to 
be a little less rich, to have a little less of that 
which at most can only adorn the body and minis- 



68 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

ter to his natural propensities, and more of that 
which enriches and adorns the nobler part of 
man, his intellectual faculties? We leave the 
reader to answer this question. 

" To all our young friends, and especially to the 
young man just entering on the stage of life, we 
would say, " Read ; if you have not already ac- 
quired a taste for this most delightful of all oc- 
cupations, begin with the most interesting book 
you can find — a book of amusement, if you can 
not relish any thing better; then try something 
more solid, and so proceed until you can relish 
the most abstruse reasonings, or the most scien- 
tific disquisitions. Be assured, that any sacrifice 
of inclination you may make at first, will be 
amply repaid, in solid enjoyment, at last/' 

But now a very important point to be settled 
is, what books shall we read ? By what rule shall 
we be governed in making a selection ? In answer- 
ing these questions correctly, there is some diffi- 
culty ; for the minds of different men are differ- 
ently constituted. No two are exactly alike as to 
fancy, desires, or aspirations. In some respects, 
there may be a striking resemblance, in other 
respects, a very broad distinction. Hence the 
difficulty just named. In some instances it may 
be best for a young man to select for himself; 
with others it would be well for them to get the 
advice of some friend who will do to rely upon, 
both as to his judgment and literary attainments. 

Said one who had paid much attention to this 



MEANS OF ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE. 69 

matter, " great caution, however, is required in the 
choice of books, for if they produce no effect on 
the mind, the time spent in reading them is 
wasted ; if a bad effect, it is worse than wasted ; 
every book should be read, therefore, with a dis- 
tinct view to some good effect on the mind, or to 
some definite object in the business of life/' We 
suggest that you include in your course of read- 
ing, a considerable portion of history, both sacred 
and profane, natural and revealed religion, the 
evidences of the truth of Christianity, the various 
branches of natural and moral science, such as 
natural philosophy, chemistry, and astronomy, as 
already noticed in another chapter, mental philo- 
sophy, the general principles of government, books 
that relate to your specific profession or business, 
that will enlarge your mental powers, that will 
give you correct ideas of the common principles 
by which human nature is actuated, and enable 
you to comprehend, as far as possible, the wonder- 
ful movements of nature. 

Books containing immoral sentiments, low and 
vulgar stories designed to please men of shallow 
minds and impure principles, should be rejected 
by every gentleman, and especially every young 
gentleman of refined sentiments and feelings. 
Such books are very injurious in their influence 
upon the mind, and moral sensibilities of young 
persons. They leave a stain upon the tablet of 
the heart that is removed with great difficulty in 
after years. 



70 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

Now, after we have pursued a regular course of 
reading, say, similar to tliat already pointed out 
in this chapter, after our minds are richly fur- 
nished with useful information, and we are well 
prepared to defend our principles and resist the 
influence of error in every shape and form, we 
may pay some attention to books containing sen- 
timents that are at variance with the principles 
of morality, that we may be prepared to oppose 
their corrupting influence, and to give instruction 
to those whose minds are not so fully matured. 

But what of novels — their utility as a means of 
acquiring knowledge ? Our advice to young men 
is, pass them by altogether. And this we say, not 
without due reflection and a good deal of investi- 
gation. "We know it is said, by those who favor 
the practice of reading novels, that from them we 
obtain some fine ideas of human nature, its im- 
perfections, correct ideas of the faculties of the 
mind, of man's power to resist improper influences 
on the one hand, and the influence of strong 
temptation on the other, the effects of poverty and 
wealth, of vice and virtue, and such like ; but we 
ask, is it the novelist alone, that understands the 
philosophy of human nature, and of the human 
mind ? Does he alone, understand the captivating 
power of wealth, the results of poverty, of vice 
and virtue ? Is it possible that we are under the 
necessity of pursuing the pages of fiction, where 
every thing is designedly enveloped in darkness 
and mystery, to obtain a knowledge of man's men- 



MEANS OF ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE. 71 

tal and physical powers and of his natural dispo- 
sition, and to obtain correct ideas of those pure 
principles by which intelligent people should be 
governed ? 

No. We have books that were written by men 
of learning, of diligent research, and of close ob- 
servation. Compared with most of our novel 
writers, they are intellectual giants. Their minds 
have not been intoxicated by the peculiar fashions 
and customs of the day, and carried away into the 
regions of fancy and idle speculation, but they 
have taken a sober common sense view of things, 
and have set forth in a clear light, without the 
fictitious garb of romance, the different shades 
that diversify human character, the loveliness of 
a virtuous course of conduct, the influences that 
operate with such force upon the mind and feel- 
ings of men, and all those circumstances which 
lead to the formation of character, and shape 
man's course in the present state of existence. 
These are the books that a young man should 
read. These are the books from which we may 
obtain correct views of the physical, mental, and 
moral powers of man, and of those noble traits of 
character so much admired by the wise and vir- 
tuous. 

"But are all novels to be eschewed? Are not 
some of them pure both in style and tendency? 
To this last question I reply, it is true that some 
novels are better than others ; in themselves they 
may be unspotted, yet in one point they do harm ; 



72 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

they create a taste for fictitious reading. This 
taste soon acquires the intensity of a passion. The 
mind acquires a craving for excitement, and thus 
the youth, who begins by reveling among the 
splendid paintings of Sir Walter Scott's pen, or 
by subjecting himself to the quiet enchantment 
of Frederika Bremer's spirit, will speedily seek 
the works of more impassioned authors. He will 
hasten from Dickens to James, from James to 
Bulwer, from Bulwer to Ainsworth, from him 
to Eugene Sue, and finally he will steep his pol- 
luted mind in the abominations of that Moloch 
among novelists, Paul de Eock. By this time 
he is ready for destruction. By venturing into the 
pleasant ripple, he has been tempted to sport in 
the heaving breakers, until, caught by the resist- 
less under-current, he is borne out to sea, and 
meets a premature death. How much better to 
have avoided the ripple! Young man, beware of 
reading your first novel!" Young Man's Coun.> 
page 213. 

But having made a selection as to books, remem- 
ber that much of your time will be lost if you do 
not read according to some regular plan or method ; 
with some definite object in view. To see the 
importance of this fact, let us suppose that when 
a young man wishes to spend some time with his 
books, he takes up that one that is casually in his 
way, and reads no longer at any one time than he 
is prompted by his inclination. While another 
young man has the subject of investigation before 



MEANS OF ACQUIEING KNOWLEDGE. 73 

his mind, and the book that he intends to peruse, 
in his inquiries, and goes to work according to 
some well-digested plan. At the end of any given 
length of time, what a difference may be observed 
in the progress that they have made ! 

We lose much time also, by reading without 
having the attention fully fixed upon the subject 
to be investigated. Obtain, as far as possible, suf- 
ficient power over your mind to hold it to the 
subject and to exclude every thing that is foreign, 
or does not properly belong to it, and your success 
will be beyond your expectations. We may make 
a good selection as to the book, may read regu- 
larly and a great deal ; but if, while we read, the 
mind is running from one thing to another, not 
connected with the subject to be investigated, we 
shall read to very little profit. 

Remember, also, that reading alone can not 
make a man wise, without study. You should 
accustom yourself to meditation, to close thinking. 
Make it a point to understand whatever you see 
or read. We may run through a book with but 
little difficulty, but after we have read every page, 
we may know but little about its contents. It 
would be much better for us to read and study 
well a few pages, than to read the entire volume 
without study or due reflection. 

"It is most conducive to health to let one meal 
digest, before we take another ; it might be equal- 
ly beneficial not to take up another book, perhaps 
not to pass to another page, till we have, by re- 
7 



74 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

flection, securely made that our own which we 
have just been reading. To join thinking with 
reading, is one of the first maxims, and one of 
the easiest operations. There is something to 
work upon; the mind has only to shape, to 
square, to polish it, which may be done with com- 
parative ease." 

Bear in mind, also, that a strong determination 
to succeed is absolutely necessary to success in 
this matter. In fact, hardly any thing valuable 
can be acquired without firmness of purpose- 
decision of character. Having fixed your mind 
on knowledge as the great and desirable end to 
be accomplished, let no trivial circumstance dis- 
courage you. Persevere, and resolve to conquer 
and overcome every difficulty. 

"Perhaps you are what the world calls poor. 
What of that ? Most of the men whose names 
are as household words were also the children of 
poverty. Captain Cook, the circumnavigator of 
the globe, was born in a mud-hut, and started in 
life as a cabin boy. Nelson, England's greatest 
admiral, was only a coxswain in his youth. Lord 
Eldon, who sat on the woolsack, in the British 
parliament, for nearly half a century, was the son 
of a coal merchant. Franklin, the philosopher, 
diplomatist, and statesman, was but a poor 
printer's boy, whose highest luxury, at one time, 
was only a penny roll, eaten in the streets of 
Philadelphia. Ferguson, the profound philos- 
opher, was the son of a half-starved weaver. 



MEANS OF ACQUIEING KNOWLEDGE, 75 

Hayne, the renowned German scholiast, was born 
in a poor peasant's cot. Burns, the bard of 
Scotland, ate the coarse bread of labor. The 
lamented Kirk White, the youthful poet, was the 
son of a butcher. Whitefield, the most renowned 
of pulpit orators, was the son of a tavern-keeper. 
John Wesley, the greatest ecclesiastical legislator 
of his age, was the son of a poor village vicar, 
whose scanty income scarce sustained his numer- 
ous children. Johnson, Goldsmith, Coleridge, 
Keats, Crabbe, all knew the pressure of limited 
circumstances, yet they made themselves a name. 
They, with many others, have demonstrated that 
limited means, or poverty even, is no insuperable 
obstacle to success." 

In using the various means to acquire general 
information, be not too hasty in forming your 
opinion. There are persons whose business it is 
to lay down rules, to guard the morals of the 
people, and to give them instruction in regard to 
those things which pertain to their present happi- 
ness and future well-being. But we should re- 
member that men are fallible beings; and that, 
although they may be honest, they may advocate 
doctrines that are false, and injurious in their 
tendency. You should be open to conviction, 
but guard against error in every shape and form. 
Do not allow yourself to be governed by the 
opinions or the example of others ; but search for 
truth as for a hidden treasure ; and having found 
it, make that your guide in all your undertakings, 



76 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

and it will be your sure defense in every time of 
need. 

And now, young reader, we have presented to 
your mind a few plain ideas upon a subject of 
vast importance. If we have said any thing that 
will prompt you to be more earnest and diligent 
in the pursuit of knowledge, we shall have ac- 
complished the end we have had in view in writ- 
ing the preceding pages. Bear in mind, that 
" knowledge is better than wealth." Wealth may 
enable you to make a show in the world, to 
attract the attention of the "giddy and the gay," 
and to secure the friendship of those who will be 
the first to forsake you if you should meet with 
some misfortune ; but a knowledge of man, a 
knowledge of the world, and of the things of the 
world, and especially of the great plans of Jeho- 
vah, will enable us to gain a position among men, 
in point of true greatness, which, otherwise, we 
never could gain by all the wealth of the world. 



LECTURE IV. 

ON THE LAWS OF NATURE. 

When we commenced writing this course of 
lectures, we had thought but little of writing a 
separate lecture on the laws of nature; from the 
fact that to enter fully into the discussion of this 
subject, in all its branches, would require more 
time than we wish to spend in the investigation 
of any one subject. Another reason which we 
may assign is, we have no inclination to engage 
in the discussion of any subject about which there 
is considerable controversy. It is well known, at 
least to all those who are tolerably well informed, 
that there is a great variety of opinions in regard 
to the government of the natural world. While 
all agree that it is governed by an All-wise Being, 
they differ greatly as to the method of His admin- 
istration. Hence to take either view of this sub- 
ject is to be considered, to a greater or less extent 
at least, as taking sides against all who differ with 
you in opinion. As no particular sect, however, 
as such, maintains any particular position in re- 
gard to this subject, we shall not, in setting forth 
our views on it, be regarded as a sectarian bigot. 
While sitting and conversing with a gentleman 
of this place, some evenings since, the conversa- 
tion took a turn which led him to speak of a 

(77) 



78 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

tornado which passed immediately over our little 
village some eight years since. It blew down 
nearly every tree and house in the place, destroyed 
a large amount of property, besides killing and 
wounding quite a number of persons. This gen- 
tleman alluded to various circumstances connected 
with, and effects produced by this tornado; and 
then added, that " the Supreme Ruler of the uni- 
verse has nothing to do, directly, with storms, 
earthquakes, volcanoes, and the like ; for they are 
the results of the regular operation of the laws 
of nature." 

To his views on this subject, we could not sub- 
scribe, and we immediately took ground against 
his position. We also endeavored, by a few sim- 
ple illustrations, to convince him (with what suc- 
cess we are not able to say) that he was wrong, 
and that the tendency of such a theory was to 
lead men to distrust the wisdom of the divine ar- 
rangements. After interchanging our views for 
a time, in regard to these matters, we separated. 
This conversation, however, suggested to our 
minds the propriety of writing, for the benefit of 
the young, the following lecture. 

Our object is to set forth, in as clear a light as 
we can, the means by which an All-wise Being 
governs the world, and brings about the various 
events which transpire around us. 

We are apprised of the fact, that to present this 
subject in such a light as to be understood by the 
young reader, would be a very difficult matter. 



ON THE LAWS OF NATURE. 79 

It is a subject "hard to be understood." We re- 
alize that it is enveloped in mystery in some of 
its ramifications, and doubtless will be to the end 
of time; as some of the principles of the divine 
government never will be fully understood by 
man in the present state of existence. But in the 
meantime, it stands every man in hand to know 
all that he can of the works and ways of Him 
"who rideth upon the wings of the wind," and 
"hath His way in the whirlwind and in the 
storm;" and to Whom he will finally be held 
accountable for all his thoughts, words, and 
actions. 

Whatever may be thought of our opinions by 
others, we are fully persuaded in our own minds, 
that the cause of virtue and religion among men, 
in a practical sense at least, depends, to a consid- 
erable extent, upon the views which they enter- 
tain of the divine government. If men are so 
benighted as to believe that the Divine Being is 
merely an arbitrary ruler in his government of 
man and the affairs of this world, they will be 
naturally inclined to depart from his ways. To 
see the truth of the position here assumed, we 
have only to examine the history of those nations 
or people who have confused or incorrect ideas 
of the government of an All-wise Being, and we 
shall invariably find that they pay but little atten- 
tion to the laws or requirements of God. 

In fact, ignorance of the principles upon which 
the universe is upheld and its affairs controlled, 



80 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN, 

or confused ideas with respect to them, disquali- 
fies the mind for a proper appreciation of those 
wise and benevolent principles, and results in dis- 
satisfaction with the best arrangements that infi- 
nite wisdom can devise for the comfort, safety, 
and well-being of man. More than this; igno- 
rance of these rules leads to practical atheism in 
its worst forms, to immorality, and to a general 
disregard for those rules and regulations that 
should bind man to man, and man to his Creator. 

No one, we presume, who has been a close ob- 
server of the conduct of men, and the motives by 
which they are actuated, has failed to perceive 
that almost all professed infidels, when questioned 
closely respecting their views of the government 
of the universe, seem to be at a loss and have no 
well-defined ideas in regard to this matter, and 
are more inclined to deny the truth of a plain 
proposition, well-supported by facts, and demon- 
strated by positive evidence, than they are to de- 
fine definitely their own views. This being true, 
we can not be very far wrong in saying, that the 
lack of a proper understanding of the operations 
of nature, and the immediate agency by which 
the affairs of this world are controlled, are sure to 
lower the standard of morality, and dry up the 
fountain of piety and virtue. 

On the other hand, in the same proportion that 
man understands the principles of the divine gov- 
ernment, will he discover the wisdom and good- 
ness of God in all his plans, in reference to man 



ON THE LAWS OF NATUKE. 81 

as an intelligent being, and in reference to every 
thing else around him; and hence, he is better 
prepared to see the reasonableness of the positive 
commands of God than he possibly could be 
otherwise. It is a settled point, we presume, that 
among those who have correct ideas of the ad- 
ministration of the Creator and Sustainer of all 
things, there is more genuine piety, more patient 
and willing submission to the providential dispen- 
sations of that Being, than can be found any- 
where else. 

It is to be regretted that some of our best 
speakers and most profound and logical writers, 
have paid so little attention to the laws, according 
to which the affairs of this world, and the interests 
of the human family, are governed. They seem 
not to have felt the importance of so doing, and 
referred to such matters only, when they casually 
came up before their minds, and demanded their 
attention. 

Others, however, of the class just named, as to 
ability, seeing that a knowledge of the divine 
government is indispensable to the best interests 
of men, have examined every thing in their way 
that was calculated to throw light on this subject, 
and assist them in their investigations, feeling 
that it was important for them to do so, in view 
of the relation they sustained to their fellow- 
beings. 

They have, to the utmost of their ability, en- 
deavored to arrive at correct notions in regard to 



82 LECTURES TO YOUXG MEN. 

the laws of nature, that they might, thereby, bo 
prepared to instruct those who, for want of such 
views, were in darkness and ignorance, and dis- 
posed to disregard the plainest commands of the 
great Author of their existence. 

It is very important that every individual, and 
especially all young persons, should investigate 
this subject, and learn all they can in reference 
to it. To this end, thev should carefullv examine 
the opinions of those who have spent so much 
of their time in trying to bring its principal fea- 
tures to view in their true light. 

In doing so, you will find, as already suggested, 
that you can not comprehend this subject, in all 
its bearings, by a mere casual glance at the facts 
connected with it; for there are "problems of 
difficult solution," seeming contradictions to be 
reconciled, depths to be fathomed, hights to be 
ascended, and lengths and breadths to be sur- 
veyed, that will require a great deal of close in- 
vestigation to be well understood. But you 
should remember that determination and perse- 
verance will overcome the most formidable diffi- 
culties. 

In attempting to write a lecture on this subject, 
we are conscious of our inability to do it justice ; 
but we are disposed to run the risk of severe 
criticism, and make what may be justly called a 
weak effort, to throw some light upon this sub- 
ject, if we can but get others to feel its import- 
ance, and investigate it for themselves. We hope 



ON THE LAWS OF NATURE. 83 

that the time will soon come, when all that is 
definitely understood in reference to the laws of 
nature and the arrangements of the divine Being, 
will be so fully illustrated and made so plain, 
that every student of the works of Nature may 
see and understand how the affairs of this world 
are managed. 

In directing the attention of the reader to the 
main point under consideration, we inquire — How 
does the Supreme Being sustain and govern the 
world? By what secret agent is its affairs con- 
trolled? Or, by what secret power or influence 
is the vast machinery of the universe kept in 
motion ? 

To our mind, no question of more importance, 
presents itself, except that which relates to the 
existence of the deity. It has been a subject of 
deep interest to man, in all ages of the world, 
wherever he has had sufficient light to see the 
wisdom of God as displayed in the works of 
creation, and his power as set forth in the opera- 
tions of nature around him. It has given rise to 
many absurd notions and visionary theories, which 
have been warmly advocated by men who were 
bold and reckless in their assertions ; and to ex- 
amine their writings, it will be easily seen that 
they had more zeal than judgment. 

They seemed never to consider the sad results 
which might follow the misrepresentation of a 
subject, the proper understanding of which leads 
men in the ways of pleasantness and peace. But 



84 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

they are responsible for what they have said, 
and for the injury they may have done. 

Various opinions and theories have been pre- 
sented, purporting to be a satisfactory answer to 
the main question as stated above. 

One class maintains, that after God, in the 
beginning, created the heavens and the earth, the 
sun to give light by day, the moon and stars by 
night — after throwing them into space in their 
present form, and giving them regular and har- 
monious movements with respect to each other, 
assigning to each its specific orbit — after giving 
the air, the waters, and each elementary principle 
its particular bounds, he retired to some secret 
part of the universe, " where, in solitude, he 
might enjoy the blessedness of his own infinite 
nature; and that he no longer troubles himself 
by watching the works of his own hands ; but 
has, from that time to this, been an idle spectator 
of the affairs of this world, pays no attention to 
it, feels no concern about it, but has committed 
it to the rule of fate or chance. 

The statement of this theory is sufficient to 
expose its absurdity. Its advocates have wearied 
themselves in vain to support it, and have finally 
become ashamed of a position that varies so much 
with the principles of sound philosophy, and are 
adopting sentiments more in accordance with the 
developments of science, sound reason, and the 
enlightened views of the present day. 

A still larger class maintain that God is not 



ON THE LAWS OF NATURE. 85 

only the creator, and, also, the upholder and con- 
servator of all things, and in a certain sense, 
controls the movements of things, but they con- 
tend that it is by the agency of the laws of na- 
ture, or, in other words, by the power which he 
has impressed upon matter, or that which is to 
be governed, and that these laws possess sufficient 
power to execute themselves, independent of any 
special act of Deity; and he, therefore, does not 
exercise any immediate agency in the operations 
of nature. 

Hence, if any event of importance transpires — 
such, for instance, as a tornado, earthquake, or 
pestilence, sweeping away the habitations of men, 
and depopulating large communities in a short 
space of time — they will tell us that these things 
are brought about by the regular operation of 
the laws of nature acting out, with efficiency, the 
commission given to them at first by the Creator 
of all things, who impressed these laws with in- 
herent power to bring about such events. How 
strange that this class of men should so com- 
pletely overlook the fact, that law without an 
executive, is wholly inactive ; that it must be 
brought to bear, as a means to accomplish any 
given end, by a superior power; that the laws 
of nature are simply the rules by which the 
Divine Being acts, and that his general plans are 
but himself in operation. 

A large majority, however, of those who have 



86 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

investigated this subject, maintain tliat the laws 
of nature can have no efficiency without the pre- 
sence and agency of the law-giver. They, there- 
fore, take the ground, that every event that tran- 
spires in the natural world, is the result of the 
direct and immediate agency of God; and that 
the laws of nature may be said to be, upon his 
part, a uniform mode of operation. 

They agree with the advocates of the last- 
named theory in supposing the laws of nature to 
extend to every event, and to be in accordance 
with the ordination of the Deity, but they differ 
in maintaining that the presence and direct effi- 
ciency of a law-giver are essential to the opera- 
tion of natural laws. 

Now, whether the last-named theory be correct 
or not, the reader may judge after he has inves- 
tigated this subject for himself. So far as we are 
concerned, we believe it to be true. For it is more 
in accordance with the language of inspiration on 
this subject, and is at variance with no fact or 
well-defined principle in the operations of nature. 
This view of this subject, brings the Deity before 
us as an active agent in the affairs of this world ; 
represents him as superintending the actions and 
movements of men, as watching their interests, 
shielding them from danger, and as a sure guide 
to all who will " put their trust under the shadow 
of his wings," and submit, in all things, to his 
government; and at the same time, enables us 



ON THE LAWS OF JNTATUEE. 87 

to give a reasonable explanation of natural events, 
which, upon any other principle, would be entirely 
inexplicable. 

We say, that this view of the subject is in ac- 
cordance with the teachings of God's Word. There 
are texts of Scripture that can be explained ac- 
cording to no other theory except the one here 
advocated. Take, for instance, that passage in 
the Book of Psalms, " Call upon me in the day 
of trouble and I will deliver thee." Or, another, 
" In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall 
direct thy paths." Here, the Divine Being pro- 
mises immediate deliverance to those who call 
upon him in times of trouble, by acts of prayer 
and humble reliance upon his power; and, also, 
promises to guide the good man individually, if 
he will but acknowledge him and submit to his 
direction. 

Again, it is said, " In him we live, and move, 
and have our being." And, " I form light and 
create darkness ; I make peace and create evil ; I, 
the Lord, do all these things." Here we see that 
Deity, not only controls the destiny of man, but 
that he is actively engaged in those things which 
pertain to the movements of, and the changes in 
the natural world. Many other passages might 
be quoted, if it was necessary, " but these are 
sufficient to show that the sacred writers were 
fully persuaded that no event in the natural or 
spiritual world was to be ascribed to chance, or to 



88 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

nature, or the laws of nature, as it is among men, 
but to the direct efficiency of God." 

It is no matter of surprise, then, that men of 
sound judgment and penetrating minds, after in- 
vestigating this subject with care and attention, 
have adopted the views of this subject maintained 
by the advocates of the last-named theory. It 
makes Deity the ever active agent in managing 
the affairs of the universe, and is the only way 
that we can account for many things that occur 
among men, and in the natural world around us. 

But say the advocates of this theory, who con- 
tend that all the movements of nature are con- 
trolled by fixed laws, we do not disbelieve these 
passages of scripture, but we must give them a 
more reasonable interpretation. There are evi- 
dences, say they, that Deity does act upon some 
general plan in the government of man, as well 
as of natural things ; for history and the develop- 
ments of science establish the fact. But, they 
continue, your interpretation makes it appear that 
God is incessantly watching over the various 
events that occur, however small they may be, 
and that he is always exerting his power and 
wisdom, either in behalf of individuals or nations, 
or in controlling the affairs of the universe, and, 
that as his plans are general, these passages must 
be so explained, that they win correspond with 
his general plans. 

Here we have a sad instance of bending the 



ON THE LAWS OF NATUKE. 89 

Word of God, to suit a human theory. How much, 
more reasonable is that theory, which makes 
" God's general plans himself in operation/' and 
his administration divine intelligence, will, feel- 
ing, in action ! 

Upon this principle, we can understand all that 
is necessary for us to know of the government of 
God in the present state of existence, can inter- 
pret the scriptures without wresting them from 
their legitimate meaning, and are no longer under 
the necessity of advocating a system that is con- 
trary to reason and common sense. 

But we wish, however, to examine a little more 
particularly, and, if possible, show more plainly 
the absurdity of the doctrine, that the universe 
and all natural events are governed and controlled 
by the laws of nature, without the agency of that 
Being who created and sustains all things. 

It seems to us, if the young reader will contem- 
plate this subject for a short time, and bring to 
bear upon it the best light that he can obtain to 
assist him in the investigation, that he can but 
see that such a position, as that just stated, is at 
variance with the principles of sound philosophy, 
as well as with the teachings of the sacred writers, 
in referring to these matters. 

Let the reader turn his attention for a moment 
to the vast extent of the universe, let him con- 
sider its magnitude, its well-arranged machinery, 
and the regularity of its motions. Let him re- 
flect upon the size of the earthly ball that he 
8 



90 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

inhabits, and then remember, that, according to 
astronomical calculation, " a million of earths will 
scarcely equal the bulk of the sun ; that all the 
stars are suns; and that millions of suns consti- 
tute probably, but a minute portion of that ma- 
terial system which God hath distributed through 
the immensity of space." 

Let him think of the mighty power necessary 
to uphold this immense fabric and keep it in mo- 
tion, the velocity with which some portions of 
this machinery is impelled, and with what preci- 
sion each orb fills its mighty rounds. Let him 
contemplate the regularity of the earth's revolu- 
tions around the sun, and upon its own axis, the 
regular succession of day and night, seed time and 
harvest, winter and summer, and then let him 
ask, are all these movements controlled, and events 
produced by the agency of the laws of nature ? 

We can not conceive of any thing short of 
infinite intelligence and power that can produce 
such stupendous results. To conclude, therefore, 
that the affairs of the universe, and the events 
that transpire in the world are produced by the 
regular operation of the laws of nature, is to in- 
vest these laws with the attributes of Deity. Now 
we readily admit, that every event, in the natural 
world, is brought about according to fixed laws, for 
we believe that natural laws, as already suggested, 
are nothing more nor less than a uniform mode 
of operation upon the part of the Divine Being; 
but to say that these laws uphold and guide the 



ON THE LAWS OF JSTATUEE. 91 

affairs of this world, independent of the imme- 
diate agency of God, is to endow them with that 
wisdom, power, and efficiency that belongs exclu- 
sively to the Supreme Kuler of the universe. 

Taking this view of the subject, we shall be 
prepared to see the force and the appropriateness 
of the tollowing remarks, viz. : " What is a natu- 
ral law without the presence and energizing 
power of the lawgiver? How easily are men be- 
wildered by words ; and none has led more astray 
than this word law. We talk about its power to 
produce certain effects; but who can point out 
any inherent power of this sort which it posses- 
ses? Who can show how a law operates but 
through the energizing influence of the lawgiver? 
How unphilosophical, then, to separate a law of 
nature from the Deity, and to imagine him to 
have withdrawn from his works? For to do this 
would be to annihilate the law. He must be pre- 
sent every moment, and direct every movement 
of the universe, just as really as the mind of man 
must be in the body to produce its movements. 
Take away God from the universe, or let him 
cease to act mentally upon it, and every move- 
ment would as instantly and certainly cease as 
would every movement of the human frame, were 
the mind to be withdrawn or cease to will." — 
Heli. of GeoL, page 293. 

But, says the objector, to admit that this view 
of the subject is correct, that is, to admit that the 
Deity exerts any influence, directly or indirectly, 



92 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

in the production of the various events that tran- 
spire in the natural world, would lead to the be- 
lief that the circumstances thrown around man 
in many instances, both in an individual and 
national capacity, are also the result of his power 
and immediate agency. 

"We reply that the passages of Scripture already 
cited, and the illustrations already given, go to 
establish the fact, that while God is always exert- 
ing his power in upholding the universe, and con- 
trolling the movements of the sun, moon, and 
stars, the earth, air, and waters, he, at the same 
time, is guiding the affairs, and watching the in- 
terests of man. "jSTow spreading the impulses 
of his power to a wider, now restraining them to 
a narrower extent; now working in judgment, 
then in mercy, and again singularly commingling 
both; tempering the severity of vengeance with 
compassion, and guarding mercy from abuse by 
the majesty of righteousness; assigning longer or 
shorter periods to his dispensations of vengeance 
or goodness, as it pleases him; and thus working 
onward to the fulfillment of all those purposes 
which he has fixed in his own eternal councils as 
the final results of his government of human 
beings." — Wat. Ser., vol. i, page 137. 

This view of the subject corresponds with the 
language of one of the inspired writers, "He 
putteth down one, and setteth up another." All 
going to show that our conditon in life, its com- 
forts and blessings, depend not altogether upon 



01NT THE LAWS OF NATUKE. 93 

our exertions, however honest, but upon circum- 
stances that are under the control of an All-wise 
Being. Take any other view of this subject that 
you may, or adopt any other theory than that 
which we here advocate, and you are bound to be 
at variance with the teachings of the Bible, and 
with the settled principles of sound philosophy, 
which are admitted by all who have investigated 
such principles. 

That the young reader may not misunderstand 
us, and that he may be prepared to see the cor- 
rectness of our conclusions on this subject, we will 
illustrate as follows. It is said by some learned 
men, that the ebbing and flowing of the tides are 
governed, to some extent, by the changes or move- 
ments of the moon. Now admitting this to be 
true (and it will serve as an illustration of other 
things, whether it be true or false), we ask, does 
the moon exert this influence upon the tides in- 
dependently of any other agency or power? No, 
says the objector, the moon is controlled in its 
movements and influence by one of the laws of 
nature, and hence the result. But, we ask, who 
gives power and efficiency to this law of nature, 
that it is so wonderful in its operations ? 

Why, says the objector to our position, this 
law, in its operations, depends upon a second, that 
upon a third law, and so we might go on until 
the operation of the one hundredth law, in this 
chain, was referred to, and still we might ask, 
what gives efficiency to this second or one hun- 



94 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

dredth law? And the correct answer would be 
something out of itself, and of that something, ac- 
cording to the theory of the objector, we know 
nothing. 

But let us admit -that the same hand that 
brought the moon, with every thing else, into 
being, gives it, by his immediate and constant 
agency, power to control the tides, or that the 
laws of nature are the rules by which the Divine 
Being acts, and at once the difficulty is solved 
upon reasonable, as well as upon scriptural 
grounds. 

This view of the subject brings Deity before 
our minds as the executive of the laws which he 
has enacted, and as sustaining and governing the 
world by his own mighty power ; and at the same 
time, as being willing to guide man in the way 
of holiness and happiness if he will but submit 
to his government. So that each individual may 
say, " no distance extends itself between me and 
God; no creature separates me from him, but is 
the very instrument by which he comes to me. 
For if there be a chain of causes and effects, he 
not only sustains it, but lives and acts along its 
whole line ; and thus may we ' foresee him always 
before us,' ' all in all,' and all in every thing. The 
creature derives its whole force from God; and 
we and all that concerns us are ' in his hand.' " — 
Wat. Ser., vol. i, page 133. 

The following incident, as given by the author 
just quoted, may serve to illustrate the truth of 



ON THE LAWS OF NATTJEE. 95 

what has just been said. "During the late strug- 
gle of the Greeks to regain their liberty, a body 
of Turks were, in 1824, encamped in a part of 
Greece, and committed every kind of excess upon 
the inhabitants* One of these barbarians, an offi- 
cer, had pursued a Greek girl, who took refuge in 
the house of a widow. The widow met him at 
the door, and mildly attempted to dissuade him 
from forcing his way in to seize the girl. En- 
raged, he drew his saber, but when in the act of 
attempting to cut down the widow, it snapped in 
two pieces before it reached the victim. The 
wretch paused, but drew a pistol to accomplish his 
purpose in that manner, but it missed fire; and 
when in the act of drawing a second, he was for- 
cibly dragged away by one of his companions, 
who exclaimed : "Let her alone ! Do not you see 
that her time is not yet come?" 

But we have gone as far in the discussion of 
this subject, as the limits of this lecture will allow, 
and we leave the young reader to judge for him- 
self of what has been said. Our object, as inti- 
mated at the outset, was not to investigate this 
subject upon a large scale, or to bring forward 
all the arguments that might be urged in favor 
of any position we have taken ; but it was to sug- 
gest a few ideas that might lead young men to 
investigate it for themselves, and that we might 
induce them to examine the writings of those 
authors who were much better prepared to give 



96 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

theni instruction in regard to these matters, than 
we are. 

Let all young persons remember that their 
actions in life will correspond very much with 
their sentiments, let them be what they may. If 
you are wrong in theory, you are almost sure to 
be so in practice. If you adopt a theory which 
teaches that the affairs of this world are governed 
by fixed laws, and thus, in your minds, exclude 
the agency of the Deity from the various events 
that occur, you can but feel that God is at a dis- 
tance from you, and you will be disposed to pay 
but little attention to his commands, and will not 
be inclined to come to him for support in the try- 
ing events of life. 

While on the other hand, " it can not but deeply 
impress the heart, and exert a most salutary influ- 
ence upon the affections, to realize that every 
event around us is brought about by the imme- 
diate agency of the supreme Being." Viewing 
the government of God in this light, we shall 
look to him as the author of " every good and 
perfect gift." And we shall feel, whether in pros- 
perity or adversity, in the higher or lower walks 
of life, that if we do our duty toward God, our- 
selves, and our fellow-beings, that we shall be 
protected and guided along the journey of life, 
and be admitted at last where all is light and 
eternal joy. 



LECTURE V. 

ON DUTY TO PARENTS. 

No fact is more generally admitted by the 
American people, than that children are under 
special obligations to their parents, and owe them 
due respect and obedience. This subject is so 
well understood, and the duties referred to so 
universally recognized by all who, by proper atten- 
tion to it, have made themselves familiar with it, 
that any violation of the principles involved in 
these obligations, is looked upon as being not only 
censurable, in no small degree, but contemptible. 

If a youth, at the present period, pursues a 
course directly contrary to the wishes of his pa- 
rents, contrary to their will as positively expressed ; 
and it appears, at the same time, that his parents 
are not unreasonable in their demands, and it 
goes ill with him afterward in any sense of the 
word ; if he fails in every effort to succeed well in 
life, and to distinguish himself in the world ; if he 
is unfortunate in every turn, and finally overcome 
by peculiar calamities; he will be sadly disap- 
pointed if he expects the people of the commu- 
nity in which he lives to sympathize with him, 
or pity him in his misfortunes. 

For it can be seen at a glance, by those around 
him, that in pursuing such a course his conduct 
9 (97) 



98 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

is the result of a deliberate determination to do 
wrong. They will readily perceive that he knew, 
and might have done better. That it was a wan- 
ton disregard of the duties that he owed to his 
parents, and a lack, upon his part, to appreciate 
the peculiar relationship existing between them 
and himself. 

But while these facts are admitted by all, it 
may be said that the young men of this country 
generally, are deviating further from the path of 
duty in this, than in any other respect whatever. 
Young men at the present day from twelve to 
twenty-one years of age, (and for such our re- 
marks are designed,) seem to have come to the 
conclusion that their parents are " old fogy " in 
their notions. That their ideas of family govern- 
ment and domestic economy; their views of the 
fashions and customs of the day, and especially 
of the course that should be pursued by all young 
persons, is decidedly wrong. 

They look upon their parents as if they con- 
sidered them as being behind the times. Their 
style of speaking and acting, out of date. They 
seem to be going upon the principle, that parents, 
as a general thing, are incapable of judging for, 
or instructing the young men of this generation. 
Hence, they have concluded, that although it was 
right, in former days, for young persons to obey 
their parents in all things lawful, it is not so now; 
that custom has brought about an entire revolu- 
tion in these matters. And that custom has given 



ON DUTY TO PARENTS. 99 

them the liberty to pursue a course altogether 
different from that pointed out by their parents. 

They suppose, at an early age, that they are 
thoroughly posted in the great science of life, that 
their acquired abilities are far superior to those 
of their parents, that they understand the philoso- 
phy of human nature, political and domestic econ- 
omy, are capable of thinking and acting for them- 
selves, of shaping their own course in life, and 
that they are no longer under the necessity of 
going to their parents for instruction, and some 
of them seem to think that to do the latter would 
be disgraceful ; would be stooping to something 
below the dignity of a polished gentleman. 

Such young men may discover, when it will 
be too late, that their conclusions were wrong, 
and that they have been leaning too much to 
their own strength. Many, just at this period in 
their history, prepare the way for adversity and 
sorrow in their riper years, and have to regret, 
in after life, that they pursued a course, in the 
days of their youth, which varied so much from 
the wishes of their parents. 

For several years past, we have noticed the 
conduct of young men particularly ; and we are 
sorry to say, that there is a growing tendency 
among them to disregard the laws of their pa- 
rents, and to follow their own inclinations. And 
to the serious observer, nothing can be more evi- 
dent, than that a lack of judgment and experi- 
ence, upon their part, will result in ruin to their 



100 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

character, fortune, and all their future prospects. 
It may not be out of place, then, to suggest a 
few thoughts for their consideration, that may 
lead them to proper reflection upon this subject, 
and finally to prosperity, usefulness, and happi- 
ness. 

We notice first, the reasons that should induce 
us to be governed by those laws which set forth 
our duty to our parents. 

It is a matter of great importance that a young 
man should understand these laws, and the rea- 
sons why they should be obeyed ; for a great deal 
more depends upon conformity thereto than we 
at first are apt to suppose. Your character, your 
standing in society, as well as the position that 
you wish, finally, to occupy as an honorable, high- 
minded, and useful citizen, all depend upon your 
having been trained while young, to observe and 
obey, strictly, the laws of your parents. If you 
learn to obey while young, it will be an easy 
matter to do so in your riper years. And if you 
would be respected and honored in due time, as 
one capable of controlling and judging, in matters 
of importance, to others, you must first learn to 
obey. 

See that youth who has complied with the 
requisitions of this law, until it has become a 
pleasing task ; who delights to act in conformity 
to the wishes of his parents ; who has submitted 
to their rules and regulations, until it has become 
to him a settled habit, a matter of principle; 



ON DUTY TO PAKE1STTS. 101 

who, like the renowned Cyrus of old, would not 
take those steps by which a mighty kingdom 
might have been secured, without first consulting 
his parents, to see if it would be agreeable to 
their will and feelings. How easy it will be for 
him, in the strength of manhood, to submit, with 
patience and fortitude, to the laws of his country. 
And how natural it is for him to induce all 
others to do so, whenever he has the opportu- 
nity! 

This being the case, he will do to rely upon as 
a gentleman, as a friend, and as a good citizen. 
His character, in all these respects, is established. 
Pie is now looked upon as a law-abiding, quiet, 
and peaceable man. Though he has been reared 
in the humble walks of life, by parents who were 
poor and comparatively unknown ; though his 
literary attainments are limited, and surrounding 
circumstances discouraging, he is destined, in 
view of the course that he has pursued, to 
occupy at least an honorable position in society. 

He may now be trusted, not only as a quiet 
citizen, but as a statesman. The affairs of state 
may, with safety, be committed to his care ; for 
it is evident to every reflecting man, that that 
individual who has honored his parents in the 
days of his youth, and is still willing to make 
any sacrifice that will promote their welfare, will 
do all in his power to advance the interests of his 
country. 

On the other hand, if habits of disobedience 



102 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

have been indulged in by young men ; if they 
have thrown off all restraints imposed upon them 
by their parents; learned to gratify their own 
wishes and feelings in opposition to their will, as 
positively expressed ; disregarded their rights and 
lawful claims ; refused to obey, as a deliberate 
matter, and carried it out in their actions as a 
matter of principle, how difficult for such persons, 
in future, to submit to the laws of their country, 
and to the rules and regulations of good society ! 
It will be so difficult, that they can not do it with 
ease or comfort to themselves ; so difficult is it, 
in fact, that we shall rarely, if ever, see a case of 
the kind. 

By pursuing such a course, they become so 
self-willed, so stubborn in their dispositions, that 
nothing but physical or brute force can induce 
them to submit to law and order ; and such obe- 
dience, to say the least of it, is disgraceful. And, 
in addition to this, as the history of such young 
men developes their true character, they fall, by 
degrees, in the estimation of those with whom 
they are associated, until no one will put confi- 
dence in them, be their pretensions what they 
may. 

Said a good writer, on this subject, " if persons 
are undutiful to their parents, they seldom prove 
good to any other relation." Again, "no one 
will expect a return of kindness, however con- 
siderable, from him who can show himself un- 
mindful of what he owes his parents." In view 



ON DUTY TO PAKENTS. 103 

of what has been said, we ask, can we trust him 
as a friend, who has refused to comply with the 
wishes of the best friends he has on earth, who 
have always been ready to minister to his wants, 
"who have averted the perils of infant life, and 
brought out a human being to the perfection of 
his reason, and the summit of his strength?" 
Can we confide in him as a gentleman, who has 
refused the instruction of a father, and the advice 
of a mother, who loved him as they did them- 
selves ? Can we have any respect for that young 
man who has, in the most reckless manner, 
trampled upon the feelings of his parents, and 
turned a deaf ear to their entreaties ? Can the 
interests of a community or nation be committed 
to the hands of one who has proven himself to 
be unworthy of their confidence, unworthy, in fact, 
of the confidence and patronage of all men of 
just sentiments and feelings ? 

Never. His society will be avoided. To asso- 
ciate with him, will be looked upon as dangerous, 
and will really be so. And no one can feel safe 
while his interest is, in any way connected with 
his. He is viewed as one that will trample upon 
the rights of men, and upon every principle of 
justice, that he may gratify his own inclinations. 
Then, if you would be respected in all the rela- 
tionships of life, and as one that may be trusted 
in perilous times ; if you would occupy a respect- 
able and desirable position in society, you must 
prove yourself to be worthy of such honors and 



104 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

favors in the days of your youth, and your fel- 
low-beings will always be ready to bestow them 
upon you. 

Another reason why we should discharge the 
obligations that we owe to our parents is, that 
obedience to their laws is one of the principal 
safeguards against the ills of life. 

It is natural for us to endeavor to avoid the 
evils of life, and to escape from its severe calami- 
ties, and equally so for us to desire its comforts 
and blessings. And that it is right for a man so 
to conduct himself in this life that he may be 
happy, and enjoy the society of his fellow-beings, 
no one will pretend to deny. "Well, one of the 
principal steps to be taken by us, if we would be 
successful in these matters, is obedience to our 
parents. 

It is said, in the New Testament Scriptures,* 
" Children, obey your parents in the Lord : For 
this is right. Honor thy father and mother (which 
is the first commandment with promise), that it 
may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live 
long in the earth." 

To obey, and to honor our parents, then, is a 
positive duty. And to obey them, is the greatest 
honor that we can confer upon them. It will be 
observed too, by merely reading this passage, that 
the condition upon which we live long and do 
well in the " earth," is, that we obey and honor 

* Eph. chap, vi, v. 1-3. 



ON DUTY TO PARENTS. 105 

our parents. It should be remembered too, that 
this law was enacted and set forth by a Being of 
infinite wisdom, who can neither deceive, nor be 
deceived. A being, who sustains and governs all 
things, and who has in his hands the destiny of 
all men. And if it is obeyed by us, we are sure 
to realize the blessing promised. 

" God is not a man that he should lie," but is 
sure to fulfill his promises. He knows the condi- 
tion of man, and all that is necessary to promote 
his happiness. And if we adhere strictly to the 
requisitions of this law in the days of our youth, 
and depart not from its principles in our riper 
years, we may confidently expect that things will 
be so ordered and controlled in our behalf, that we 
shall be secure in our possessions, tranquil amid 
storms and tempests, prosperous in our worldly 
pursuits, and may enjoy the comforts of life, the 
best wishes of our fellow-beings, and all that can 
make life agreeable and desirable. 

We remark, further upon this point, that a 
violation of this law is sure to be followed by the 
infliction of a penalty that will be proportioned 
to the enormity of the crime committed. And 
whoever runs the risk of doing so, will find, by 
experience, that this is invariably the case. When 
he who enacted this law said, it shall be well 
with those who obey, we understand him to say, 
indirectly, it will go ill with him who refuses 
obedience. And in view of the regularity of his 
government in the natural, moral, and religious 



106 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

world in other respects, and the certainty of the 
infliction of punishment upon the disobedient in 
every other department, we are certainly justifi- 
able in coming to this conclusion. 

It may be said that there are exceptions to this 
general rule, as in all similar cases. Such may be 
the fact, but we think it will be an exceedingly 
difiicult matter to find an example of the kind. 
As to the nature of this punishment, and the time 
and manner in which it will be inflicted, we need 
not inquire particularly, for there are various ways 
in which an All-wise Being can punish us accord- 
ing to our crimes. 

To see more clearly the truth of the position 
here assumed, let us look at the condition of those 
around us, whose history, in this respect, is fa- 
miliar to our minds. And we shall see at every 
step in this investigation, that the evidence of the 
truth of our position will accumulate and become 
stronger and stronger, until its influence upon our 
minds will be irresistible. 

Look, for instance, at that individual, who, in 
his boyhood, and up to mature age, stubbornly 
resisted the will of his parents, deliberately re- 
fused to listen to their council or instructions, 
who has been careless about their welfare, indif- 
ferent in regard to their feelings, and now, in 
their declining days, acts toward them as though 
they were unworthy of his attention. What, we 
ask, is the true history of his case up to the 
present time? Has he not been unfortunate in 



ON DUTY TO PAKEOTS. 107 

business? Has lie not, in many instances, been 
sadly disappointed? Has not his heart, a thou- 
sand times, been filled with sorrow, his fairest 
prospects blighted, and his brightest and most 
cherished hopes blasted ? Does he not stand be- 
fore the reader to-day as a monument of the dis- 
pleasure of him who has said, " Children, obey 
your parents in the Lord, for this is right." 

Of such persons no good thing can be expected. 
Their approach may well be dreaded, for their 
steps are always attended with evil, and their 
career with destruction to the best interests of 
men. In their youth, they learned to dissolve 
the most tender ties of nature, to burst through 
the restraints of law; and they now come forth 
prepared to trample upon the rights of men, and 
to crush their fondest expectations. 

The history of Absalom, son of David, as re- 
corded in second book of Samuel, may be given 
as a striking example of what has just been said. 
Absalom refused the instruction of his father, 
trampled upon his laws as such, and finally re- 
belled and set up against him as king of Israel. 
He, doubtless, supposed that he could best succeed 
in life by pursuing a course of this kind. But 
how sadly was he disappointed! He advanced 
but a few steps in his career of disobedience to 
his father, before he was overtaken by the just 
vengeance of him who had said, " honor thy 
father and mother, that thou mayest live long in 



108 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

the earth/' and is swept away from among men 
as a punishment for his disobedience. 

Here we see the sad results of refusing to 
listen to the instructions of our parents, and to 
be governed by their laws ; not only in the un- 
timely death of the rebellious son, but in the ex- 
pressions of sorrow upon the part of the father, 
when he exclaimed, " 0, my son, Absalom ! my 
son, my son, Absalom! would God, I had died 
for thee, Absalom, my son, my son !" 

Another reason to which we will briefly direct 
the attention of the young reader before we leave 
this part of the subject is, that our moral well- 
being, our present and future happiness, is indi- 
rectly connected with obedience to our parents. 

To be happy in this world, is desired by all. 
This is a principle implanted in our nature by the 
author of our existence. Future happiness is 
equally as desirable to those who have proper 
conceptions of a future life. Enough, we think, 
has already been said, to satisfy any reasonable 
man, that happiness, in this life at least, depends 
greatly upon the performance of the duties that 
we owe to our parents. 

And while obedience to the laws of our pa- 
rents alone, is not sufficient to secure to us an 
entrance into the abodes of light and glory, as 
that is secured by the use of other means, things 
have been so disposed and linked together by our 
Creator, in his wise arrangements, that obedience 



ON DUTY TO PAEENTS. 109 

to our parents exerts a greater or less influence 
upon our future destiny. Submission to whole- 
some laws in our youthful days, as has already 
been intimated, the evil tendency of our natural 
feelings having been subdued by the power of 
reason, we now have sufficient control over the 
mind to direct it successfully to an investigation 
of those duties and wise regulations, the proper 
observance of which, will secure a home among 
the blest. Taking this view of the subject, we 
can readily perceive how obedience to our parents, 
has a bearing upon our future happiness. 

If what we have said in this lecture be true, 
and our conclusions are correct, may we not urge 
young men to consider their importance ? If you 
have ever neglected the authors of your being, or 
given them unnecessary pain, never rest satisfied 
until you have made reparation for all the injury, 
in this respect, that you have ever done them; 
and while they live, show them that kindness that 
is due the parent from the child, and there is 
positive assurance that you will be prosperous and 
happy through life. 

We notice, in the next place, in what the duty to 
our parents consists, and how it is to be performed. 

In reference to obedience, as an important part 
of this duty, we have already spoken at length. 
As much so at least as our purpose, in regard to 
the length of this lecture, will permit. 

This duty includes respect for our parents. And 
this too, not only while we are young and imme- 



110 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

diately under their control as children, but as long 
as they are permitted by our Creator to remain 
with us in the world. Now we do not include in 
our remarks here, parents, who, by their habits of 
vice, indecent conduct, general disregard of all 
moral restraints, and by engaging in low pursuits 
and dishonorable callings, have rendered them- 
selves unworthy of decent attention. 

But taking it for granted that the reader has 
not been so unfortunate as to be reared in such a 
nursery, we remark, that our parents should be 
treated by us with due respect, whatever may be 
their condition in life, or however widely we may 
differ with them in our political or religious opin- 
ions. "We should respect their opinions, wishes, 
and feelings; bear with their infirmities and im- 
perfections, and have too high a regard for them 
to speak of their faults to others, or to do any 
thing that would be painful or disagreeable to 
them, or render them the least uncomfortable in 
their declining days. 

Says Smith, an able writer on this subject, 
" Every man has little infirmities of temper and 
disposition which require forgiveness; peculiarities 
which should be managed; prejudices which should 
be avoided; innocent habits which should be in- 
dulged; fixed opinions which should be treated 
with respect; particular feelings which should be 
consulted. All this may be done without the 
slightest violation of truth, or the most trifling 
infringement of religion; these are the sacrifices 



ON DUTY TO PAEE1STTS. Ill 

which repay a man in the decline of his life, for 
all that he has sacrificed in the commencement 
of years ; this makes a parent delight in his chil- 
dren, and repose on them when his mind and his 
body are perishing, and he is hastening on to the 
end of all things.'' — Ser., page 69. 

Children at the present day, however, seem, in 
many instances, to overlook the fact, that they are 
under special obligations to respect their parents. 
See that gentleman that lives in yonder palace, 
with all the comforts and conveniences of life 
around him. He, with his family, are refined in 
their manners, understand the rules of fashionable 
society, and are getting along according to the 
finest style of the day. His parents are poor> but 
honorable. They labored hard and honestly to 
educate, and to give him a successful start in life, 
and hence his present condition. And now in 
the decline of life, they come to spend with him 
a portion of their time. Expecting, in return for 
their kindness to him, respect and attention, but 
discover, to their astonishment, that as they are 
old-fashioned and a little peculiar in their habits 
that he is ashamed of them. That he treats them 
disrespectfully, and would be glad, from his con- 
duct toward them, to be clear of them altogether. 

And is this true of Americans? Can examples 
of this kind be found among the enlightened and 
refined citizens of our happy country ? We have 
witnessed a few instances of the kind, and are 
satisfied that nothing can be more painful to pa- 



112 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

rents, or more unjust in the estimation of all good 
men. It is to be hoped that the young men of 
the present generation, in view of their superior 
advantages as to light and knowledge, will learn 
better things. 

Again, this duty includes proper care and atten- 
tion to the temporal wants of our parents. 

On this proposition but little need be said, for 
it is well understood and readily admitted by all. 
Any man in the present improved state of society, 
with the peculiar influences of the present period 
acting upon his mind, that would refuse to min- 
ister to the wants of his parents ; who would not 
upon all occasions, do all that his circumstances 
would permit to render them comfortable, and 
thereby smooth their path a as they hasten on to 
the end of all things," deserves the reproach of 
his fellow-beings, and is sure, sooner or later, to 
meet with the rebuke that his conduct so justly 
deserves. 

We envy not the position of that man who 
would suffer his parents to perish by want, while 
it is in his power to sustain them; or who would 
refuse to shield them from danger, or protect them 
from the insult and abuse of those who possess 
none of the finer feelings and sentiments. 

But it is needless, we hope, to urge this point 
upon the minds of the young men of this country, 
for it can not be reasonably expected that any of 
them will be so void of natural feelings and cor- 
rect views upon this subject, that they would run 



ON DUTY TO PAKENTS. 113 

the risk, in an age like this, of refusing to com- 
fort those who have comforted them, and guided 
their feet in their infancy and childhood, and 
watched over and protected them until they were 
capable of protecting themselves. 

Finally, on this point, this duty consists in hon- 
oring our parents. 

On this point, the author already quoted is so 
clear and forcible in his remarks, that we prefer 
giving our readers his ideas in place of our own. 
Says he, "This commandment to honor parents 
may, in fact, be rendered subservient to every vir- 
tue, and may be obeyed as the means of enforcing 
every law of the Gospel; honor your father and 
your mother ; honor them with your lives, by your 
spotless integrity, by keeping yourself void of of- 
fense toward God and man. If revenge prompts 
you to break through human laws, and makes you 
prodigal of life, forgive for the love of your pa- 
rents; rouse yourself, that the praise which men 
bestow upon you, may warm the hearts of your 
parents. "Whenever you are about to do any 
thing that is wrong, remember there is a father 
and a mother whose hearts you will tear with an- 
guish ; have pity upon them, and bear them in 
mind in all you do; if you are dishonorable they 
can not be honored; if you are in wretchedness, 
they can not rejoice; they will burn with your 
glory; they will blush with your shame; they 
have smiled upon your cradle, they will weep o'er 
your tomb." Ser., page 71. 
10 



114 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

No young man of thought and proper reflection, 
and especially of observation, will for a moment 
doubt the correctness of the sentiments here set 
forth. And surely if he believes them to be such 
as should be practically carried out, he will not 
hesitate to do so. It should ever be remembered 
that in the performance of this duty, we are 
obeying one of the positive commands of the Di- 
vine Being, performing an act of religion that 
shall by no means lose its reward. 

Before we close our remarks on this subject, it 
may not be improper for us to notice, in few words, 
some of the difficulties in the way of those whose 
duty it is to obey and honor their parents. 

In the performance of this, as well as in the per- 
formance of all other duties, we shall find various 
obstacles to overcome. One obstacle that we will 
mention, as deserving special attention, is a liabil- 
ity, upon our part, to forget our obligations to our 
parents. This, at first, may seem a little unrea- 
sonable, as it may be supposed that there can be 
no danger on this score, but it is none the less 
true notwithstanding. We are prone to neglect 
our duty in all respects ; and it is not unreason- 
able to suppose that we will, at times, lack 
promptness in the performance of this. 

Our attention is earnestly directed to our own 
interests and the interests of our own families. 
Our chief delight is in seeing our families prosper- 
ing and doing well in the world. We delight to 
see them occupying a position that is honorable, 



ON DUTY TO PAKENTS. 115 

and that will secure to them the respect and con- 
fidence of the better classes of society; and it is 
natural for us to exert all our energies of body 
and mind to place them in that condition. 

But while such a course is truly commendable, 
it being proper and right that we should do so, 
how apt are we to " forget the days of weakness, 
and the nursing father and the nursing mother 
of the times that are gone," and leave them to 
suffer for the common conveniences of life, and to 
go down in sorrow to their graves ! 

Another difficulty that we will mention, as being 
iii the way of some (and we are glad to say but 
few), is, that they do not realize that they are 
under special obligations to their parents. 

They take the ground, that the kindness that 
parents manifest toward their children, is the re- 
sult of those feelings that are natural to parents 
whether they live in a heathen or a civilized land. 
But they should remember that to "deny the ob- 
ligations which they owe to parents, because it is 
common in all parents to do good to their children, 
is to withhold the reward which principally makes 
that kindness so common." 

A young man, at the present period, with all 
the influences of refined society operating upon 
his mind, who will deny that he is under special 
obligations to respect and reverence his parents, 
and to provide also for their temporal wants, is 
unworthy of confidence, and should be shunned by 
all who have learned and practice better things. 



116 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

Other obstacles to a right performance of this 
duty might be mentioned here, but enough has 
been said to bring this part of the subject before 
the reader's mind, and we leave it with him, trust- 
ing that he will reflect seriously upon what has 
been said, and weigh it candidly; and that he will 
act wisely toward his parents, toward his fellow- 
beings, and above all, toward his Creator. 

"We close this lecture in the language of L. M. 
Stretch, on " The Character of the Good Son." 
Said he — " The good and dutiful son is one who 
honors his parents by paying them the utmost 
deference and respect, by a reverential awe and 
veneration for them, a filial affection for their per- 
sons, and a tender regard for their safety and pre- 
servation, a constant and cheerful attention to 
their advice, and a ready and implicit obedience 
to their commands. As he becomes every day 
more sensible of his obligations to them, he grows 
every day more willing and solicitous to repay 
them. He supplies his youth to support their 
age; his abundance to relieve their wants; his 
knowledge and strength to supply their infirmities 
and decay. He is more careful of his character 
and reputation in the world, because theirs depend 
upon it. Ever anxious for their welfare, and at- 
tentive to their happiness, he endeavors, by every 
motive in his power, to prolong their days, that 
his own may be long in the land. He rests as- 
sured that God will not only bless obedient chil- 
dren here, but will reward them with the blessings 



ON DUTY TO PARENTS. 117 

of heaven, where it shall be well with him for ever: 
where we all shall join — son and father, daughter 
and mother, wife and husband, servant and mas- 
ter, all relations and connections of this life, to 
honor one great Parent, Protector, Lord, and Mas- 
ter of us all."— Beau. His., page 28. 



LECTURE VI. 

ON PATRIOTISM 

But few writers of late years, wlio have at- 
tracted much attention by their ability, have 
passed this subject unnoticed; and there is 
scarcely any speaker of much distinction but 
what has directed the attention of his hearers to 
this subject, and urged its claims upon their 
minds with more or less earnestness, as the cir- 
cumstances in their case seemed to demand. The 
consequence is, we can hardly find an individual 
of ordinary capacity and information in our coun- 
try, but who seems, when the subject of pariotism 
is mentioned, to have at least a general idea of 
what is meant. 

The true patriot has been universally admired, 
in all ages of the world, by all who were capable 
of estimating properly the conduct of the man, 
who, from disinterested motives, has done all that 
he could to maintain the rights, and promote and 
defend the honor and happiness of his country. 
In so many ways, and under so many circum- 
stances, has this subject been brought before the 
people of this country, and its principles, when 
contrasted with selfishness and narrow-minded- 
ness, are so lovely and sublime, that we do not 
(118) 



ON PATRIOTISM. 119 

wonder that they should be admired, really by 
many, and professedly by all. 

As so much has been said of patriotism by our 
most able writers and speakers, it would be vain 
in us to attempt to say any thing in regard to it 
that would be novel in its character, and we shall 
make no such attempt. Our aim is, not to go into 
a full illustration of the principles of patriotism, 
or to prove that it is one of the most noble pas- 
sions that ever warmed and animated the human 
breast, for this would be a useless undertaking, as 
all who take a comprehensive view of things are 
already satisfied. But the main object which we 
have in view, is to say something that will im- 
press the minds of the young men of this country 
with the necessity of imbibing the principles of 
patriotism in their youthful days, and of acting 
upon these principles in all their movements, both 
in respect to society and the world generally. 

It is a fact that should not be overlooked by 
the American people, that this subject, though 
universally admitted to be of vast importance, is 
too much neglected at the present day. "While it 
is alluded to in glowing terms by this speaker, 
and pictured in fine style by that writer, its im- 
portance, at least in a practical point of view, 
seems not to be felt by the generality of the 
people. 

But a few years since, the necessity of pure 
patriotic sentiments and feelings, in the minds 
of the people, seemed to be realized as a general 



120 LECTITKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

thing; so much so, that parents and guardians, as 
well as teachers, both public and private, made 
it a point to impress these sentiments fully upon 
the minds of those under their care. And the 
beneficial results of their noble efforts may be 
seen throughout our land and nation in almost 
every department of society. And we might well 
suppose, that a system that was productive of so 
much good, and so many happy influences, would 
never be entirely neglected. Yet, strange and 
unreasonable as it may appear, but little attention 
is paid to the means of keeping alive those noble 
sentiments and feelings that are so well calculated 
to give life and energy to the public and private 
interests of our country. 

It may be said that this is an age of improve- 
ment, and it may be admitted as being true in 
some things, but it is not true in all. "We are 
disposed to doubt that this is an age of improve- 
ment in morals and in those noble and patriotic 
sentiments, by which an enlightened and highly- 
favored people should be governed. Making 
money, at the present day, seems, with most 
persons, to be "all the go." If parents and 
guardians can learn those committed to their 
care, to be " sharp in trading," to secure a for- 
tune, to keep up with the fashions and customs 
of the day, they are satisfied. They seem not to 
feel the importance of teaching them, in their 
youthful days, to cherish those sentiments and 
feelings which would lead them, in future, to 



ON PATEIOTISM. 121 

regard, correctly, the rights of others, and to have 
a proper interest for the welfare of their country. 

The American people should ever remember, 
and, especially, let it be engraven upon the minds 
of the young, that their present prosperity, wealth 
and influence; that their position in point of 
respectability and greatness, when compared with 
other nations, are all the results of the patriotic 
efforts made by our fathers, who had been taught 
to labor, not only for their own interest, but for 
the welfare of others. And they should bear in 
mind, also, that our existence as a free, independ- 
ent, and prosperous people, the perpetuity of our 
laws and institutions, our civil and religious 
privileges, all depend, so far as man's agency is 
concerned, upon the patriotism of those who hold 
the destiny of this nation in their hands. 

There is an idea that prevails to a considerable 
extent, at the present day, in the minds of quite 
a number of gentlemen, men, too, of some dis- 
tinction, on account of their sobriety and common 
sense, that is false and dangerous in its tendency, 
and that is, that since the days of Washington 
and his compatriots, who signed the Declaration 
of Independence, fought the battles of the revolu- 
tion, framed the constitution of our country, 
stood up and manfully contended for their rights 
in perilous times, and thus opened the way for 
their descendants to march on to prosperity and 
greatness, that the true spirit of patriotism has 
died away among the people; and that now it 
11 



122 LECTURES TO YOUJSTG MEX. 

is difficult, if not impossible, to find a genuine 
patriot, in feeling and practice, in all the land. 

It is much to be regretted, that the affairs per- 
taining to the welfare of this country have been 
so badly managed, that such an idea as that just 
named, can find a place in the minds of true- 
hearted American citizens, and especially in the 
minds of the young men of this country. But 
however false this idea may be, and it is certainly 
false, it is very difficult to induce some men to 
believe the contrary. Many of them, too, are 
men of sterling worth, and might be of great 
service to their country, if this erroneous notion 
could be banished from their minds. 

" The consequence of this tone of feeling is, 
that whole classes of men, in a greater or less 
degree, seek the place of retreat. Some abandon 
the caucus, convention, and committee room, as 
no place for them ; but retain the poor privileges 
of expressing themselves implicitly in defense of 
the party in which they are embodied, and the 
candidates whom they find imposed upon them 
by the managers to whom they have given the 
reins." The principal cause of this error is a 
failure, upon the part of those who have adopted 
this mistaken view of this subject, to distinguish 
the genuine patriot from the hypocritical pre- 
tender. 

In every large community there is a set of 
men to be found, who have lost fortune and fame 
in the various whirlpools of pleasure. They are 



OjST patkiotism. 123 

bad men at heart, and really have no regard for 
the welfare of their fellow-beings. They are 
willing, in view of poverty and present distress, 
to become the tool of any political party, or en- 
gage in any enterprise whatever, if they can 
thereby assume the garb of patriotism, deceive 
the people, and secure their confidence ; while 
their real object is to " prey upon industry," tear 
down the decencies of society, and gratify their 
own covetous desires and vitiated appetites. 

Well, after honest-hearted, straight-forward men 
have been deceived a few times by these hollow- 
hearted wretches, and see the result of their false 
pretenses, they suffer themselves, if not very much 
on their guard, to become disgusted with the 
name of patriotism, politics, institutions for the 
poor, or any general system of improvement, 
either as to the minds or morals of the people. 
Hence it is that honest men, genuine patriots, 
who think, plan, invent, and act for the public 
good, by day and by night, actuated by the purest 
motives, present their petitions to such men, in 
behalf of this measure or that institution, in vain. 
Their petition is rejected, not from the fact that 
their cause is not good, but because those upon 
whom they call have been deceived by those, who, 
heretofore, have presented themselves, on the same 
errand, under false colors. 

Now, we would say to such persons, while you 
guard against imposition upon the one hand, you 
should not be so cautious, on the other, as not 



124 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

to do your duty. "We should ever be willing to 
sanction and support measures that are calculated 
to do good. And we should be willing to join 
with those who are exerting themselves, to the 
utmost of their ability, to secure and maintain 
the best interests of our country. For he who 
would refuse to give his influence and support to 
any measure which has for its object the welfare 
of society, is but little better than those who bend 
every thing to suit their own convenience, irres- 
pective of the rights of others. 

For although it may be true that a majority of 
the citizens of this country do not feel as deeply 
concerned in her welfare as they should, and how- 
ever well satisfied we may be, that there are many 
who would sacrifice her interests at any time to 
gratify their own selfish purposes, it is also true 
that there are, in every community, men who are 
willing to sacrifice their individual interests and 
comforts, and risk their fortunes, and even their 
lives, in the service of their country. Propose to 
them any plan or method for the public good, 
whether it relates immediately to their community 
or nation, and you will always find them in readi- 
ness to join you. They have hearts to feel, and 
their influence and means, if need be, are imme- 
diately brought to bear in behalf of that move- 
ment or plan, that it may be carried forward 
successfully, and accomplish the desired end. 

When such men are called by their country to 
her legislative halls, to assist in arranging the 



ON PATEXOTISM. 125 

affairs of government, they are ready to obey tlie 
summons. If our country's rights are invaded by 
a foreign foe, they are the first to gird on the 
armor, and may be found in the thickest of the 
battle, exerting themselves with a degree of skill 
and ability, that would have been creditable to 
the most renowned generals of ancient or modern 
times. These things being true, and no one of 
observation in these matters can doubt the truth 
of them, we need not be told that the spirit of 
patriotism no longer exists in our country. True 
patriots may be found throughout our land and 
nation. 

It is highly important that young men should 
have a correct idea of patriotism, or rather of the 
character of the true patriot. To be mistaken 
here, may, in many instances, lead, to a wrong 
course of conduct through life. 

Patriotism, as defined by our standard authors, 
is love of our country, or devotion to the welfare 
of the community or nation. Most writers of 
distinction upon this subject, use the term patri- 
otism, as being synonomous with love of our 
country. 

Now it may be said, in one sense, that all men 
love their country, who possess those feelings 
which are natural to the human family. "The 
most friendless of human beings has a country 
which he admires and extols, and which he would, 
in some circumstances, prefer to all others under 
heaven. Tempt him with the fairest face of na- 



126 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

ture, place Mm by living waters, under shadowy 
cedars of Lebanon, open to his view all the gor- 
geous allurements of the climates of the sun, he 
will love the rocks and deserts of his childhood 
better than all these." We say it is natural for 
men to entertain feelings such as are here de- 
scribed, to a greater or less extent; but while 
patriotism includes this natural love of our coun- 
try, a man may be in possession of it, and still 
come far short of being a true patriot. 

We may remark further, just here, that patri- 
otism, as is often set forth and advocated by some, 
is a low and selfish principle, a principle wholly 
unworthy of that enlightened and expansive view 
of that subject which should be entertained by all 
who wish to be of any service to their country. 
The true patriot, while he feels, in common with 
other men, a deep interest for the welfare of his 
own family and immediate neighborhood, looks 
attentively, also, to the welfare of his country. 

He is so much interested in her institutions and 
immunities, and has such strong desires to see her 
in a prosperous and healthy condition in a politi- 
cal, intellectual, social, and moral point of view, 
that he can not allow himself to be idle for a mo- 
ment while he can do any thing calculated to 
bring about this state of things. And while he 
labors from day to day, and from year to year, for 
the accomplishment of these ends, drudgery itself 
seems almost to be beautiful, and suffering to be 
a delightful task, while he feels that he is in his 



ON PATEIOTISM. 127 

country's service. Some of this class of persons 
pursue this course, until they feel, at last, that any 
wrong done to their country is a personal wrong, 
and on the other hand, every wrong committed 
by their country, is looked upon as a sin for which 
they are personally responsible. 

Such men are always foremost in inventing and 
carrying out plans for an improvement in the dis- 
tribution of justice, in the political constitution 
of the State, in extending and carrying forward 
educational interests, and in doing any thing that 
will improve the moral and social condition of the 
people. Let us contemplate the character of the 
true patriot by way of contrast, that we may ob- 
tain a more forcible idea of its peculiarities. A 
true patriot is always opposed, in feeling, to that 
which is low and selfish in its character, and seeks 
no advantage of others in any capacity whatever. 
His motto is something like this: "We should 
perform those duties which may affect the country 
at large, with the same inflexible justice which we 
would exhibit on ordinary occasions, for we are 
as accountable to our Creator in every public, as 
we are in every private transaction." 

Compare such an one to the unfeeling and sel- 
fish demagogue, to whom reference has already 
been made, and see how they differ in their sen- 
timents and feelings, in the motives by which 
they are actuated, and in their entire course of 
conduct, whether public or private. The latter 
seems hardly ever to think of any thing save his 



128 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

own immediate interest. It matters not what 
measure he may adopt, or in what enterprise he 
may engage; it matters not how loudly he may 
talk of his devotion to the institutions of his 
country, or how much he may be praised by those 
who have been deceived by his pretensions ; the 
real object in view, in every movement that he 
makes, is to gratify his own desires, and secure 
his own welfare, though it be at the expense of 
the public good. 

His patriotism, his morality, his religion, his 
philanthropy, if he pretends to be in possession 
of any of these things, is nothing more nor less 
than downright hypocrisy. If he is not guilty of 
crime in its worst form against individuals, it is 
from the fact that he knows the loss of reputa- 
tion would be the loss of his own interest. He 
will engage in any thing that is profitable, how- 
ever base it may be, however injurious to society 
and to the best interests of the community, if he 
thinks he can do so without being detected in his 
meanness. 

If he lived in worse times, when the stand- 
ard of morals was still lower, "he w r ould defraud 
his neighbors, he would forfeit his word," he 
would even go so far as to pull down the strong- 
holds of virtue and morality, lay waste the fair- 
est prospects of his country, if he could make 
such a course profitable to himself, and subser- 
vient to his purposes. Many such men are to be 
found in the land; and we have drawn this pic- 



ON PATKIOTISM. 129 

ture of their character, that young men may be 
prepared to guard against their influence. For 
such men soon contract the habit of speaking in 
the warmest terms of compassion of those with 
whom they are associated, and are well calculated, 
by their assumed good manners and false preten- 
sions, to deceive and mislead the young and un- 
suspecting. 

If a young man wishes to take a high and 
honorable stand in society, and to be respected as 
a patriotic, enlightened citizen of this country, let 
him carefully shun the company of the despicable 
wretch just referred to, and avoid a similar course 
of conduct as he would the most deadly poison. 
And let him follow the example of that man 
whose heart, life, energies, fortune, and all are 
consecrated to the service of his country; and 
who is willing to make any sacrifice whatever, 
of ease, interest, or comfort, if he can feel that in 
so doing, he is benefiting his country. Every 
young man should study the principles of pa- 
triotism, until they become perfectly familiar to 
his mind, and should learn to practice those prin- 
ciples in the days of his youth. He should grow 
up a lover of his country, her laws and institu- 
tions, and of every thing that gives life and en- 
ergy to her movements. 

His country has a right to expect such things 
at his hands. Others have watched and guarded 
these laws and institutions, in the true spirit of 
genuine patriotism, that have given him position 



130 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

in the world, intellectual and moral standing in 
society, with ail the blessings and endearments of 
civilized life; and he, in turn, should feel him- 
self under the strongest obligations to uphold and 
protect those laws ; that others, in due time, may 
realize their influence, and the benefits which they 
confer. 

It should be borne in mind by the young men 
of this country, that those who hold the reins of 
government and guide the affairs of State, and 
who are using their talents and influence and ex- 
erting all their energies to perpetuate our civil 
and religious privileges, who are trying to build 
up and sustain moral and educational institutions, 
and, in a word, endeavoring to make every thing 
subservient to the welfare of our country, will 
soon pass away to the silence of the grave. Their 
voices will be silent in death, and no more be 
lifted up in defense of our country's rights. No 
longer will they plead in behalf of this or that 
noble enterprise, or warn the people of impending 
danger, but in all these respects, the young men 
will have to take their place. 

Oh ! how important that they should consider 
their responsibility, and be well prepared to act 
their part in a manner that will be creditable to 
themselves and to their country ! 

In a short time, those who are now young, will 
be called to fill the various offices of State; some 
to the senate chamber, others to legislate. This 
one to that department of State, that one to an- 



ON PATRIOTISM. 131 

other. And of all, wisdom, honesty, and integrity 
will be expected. The country will look to them 
for protection, for her interests will be confided to 
their care. And her institutions will be, more or 
less, under their control. If they are properly 
managed by them, they will prove a blessing to 
all concerned. But if there is a lack of firmness, 
moral courage, and patriotic sentiments and feel- 
ings, or if there is a want of skill and ability, 
the country in the same proportion, must suffer. 
Her proud and lofty pillars will give way. Her 
domes and spires will fall to the dust, and every 
feature of her greatness will disappear. And the 
fond hopes now entertained by the American 
people, will be buried in despair. 

At the thought of such a state of things, let 
the young men of this happy republic arouse 
themselves, " and put on their strength." Re- 
member that you are now a free people, that you 
have good laws, a pure religion, that this country 
has nourished great men, and is capable of noble 
deeds. Never let her greatness diminish, or her 
glory fade away, for want of zeal upon your part, 
while engaged in her service. 

From some indications at present, it may not 
be out of place to remark here, that the time 
may not be very distant when every true patriot 
will be called upon to show his hand. And to be 
widely awake to schemes devised, and plans being 
laid, by those who are net as friendly to the insti- 
tutions of our country as they should be, and as 



132 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

they would be, if they were capable of appreciat- 
ing any thing noble and elevating in its character. 
There are certain movements being made, and in- 
fluences brought to bear, that are agitating the 
minds of the people, from one end of this country 
to the other. These movements and influences 
must be checked in due time, or they will affect 
alike the political, social, and moral destiny of 
this entire nation. In fact, we may already, to 
some extent, see their effects. 

Look at the condition of our country in a po- 
litical point of view. See how much excitement 
prevails in all classes of society from the highest 
to the lowest. We see the North and the South 
arrayed against each other, as though the interest 
of one division was as different from that of the 
other as day is from night. They act toward 
each other as though the rights of each had been 
trampled in the dust by the other. And seem to 
feel, as though the welfare of one depends en- 
tirely upon the downfall of the other. 

In the North and South we see political parties 
arrayed against each other, and manifesting a 
bitterness, a hatred, and an uncompromising op- 
position that would have been censured in worse 
times, and is disgraceful in a civilized country. 
It is so of late that to belong to one party, is to 
be a dishonest man, a traitor to his country, and 
unworthy of confidence in the estimation of every 
other party. One can not look upon the move- 
ments of the other with any degree of allowance. 



ON PATEIOTISM. 133 

For they are all in the wrong direction, injurious 
in their tendency, and calculated to ruin the 
country. 

No matter how honest the leaders of this party 
may be, or how pure the motives by which they 
are actuated; they may love their country and 
entertain strong desires for her prosperity, and 
yet another party professes to be shocked at the 
evidences of corruption, as manifested by all its 
members. "What is to be the end of these things 
we pretend not to divine; but leave the future 
to make the development. May he who controls 
the universe overrule the evil intentions of men, 
and save our country from political ruin. 

When we look at the condition of our country 
in a social point of view, we shall see, that in this 
respect, we have occasion to be on our guard. 
There is a class of men among us, whose sole 
object seems to be, to mar the beauty, and destroy 
every lovely feature of refined society, and would, 
if possible, destroy the basis on which the edi- 
fice of social life is placed. They seem to de- 
spise the rules and regulations of good society, 
and, instead of doing all they can to preserve 
social order, they would burst asunder all social 
ties, lay waste the heritage of the social compact, 
would bring decency and refinement on a level 
with debauchery and infamy; and thus destroy 
the only safeguards of virtue and happiness. 
Should not every true patriot, every lover of his 
country rise up in the majesty of his strength to 



134 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

oppose and destroy the influence of those who 
would dare invade the precincts of refinement, or 
prostrate virtuous innocency. 

We might here direct the attention of young 
men at some length, to the condition of our coun- 
try in a moral point of view, if time and space 
would permit. It is only necessary, however, for 
them to look abroad in the land, to perceive that 
there is a growing tendency among the people 
everywhere, to indulge in all the common vices 
of the day. Such, for instance, as Sabbath-break- 
ing, swearing, lying, defrauding, and a host of 
other crimes, if possible, worse than those already 
named. But we leave the reader to finish the 
picture. 

Now, to guard successfully against all the evils 
we have just named, will require the watchful 
courage and sound judgment of every true pa- 
triot, whether young or old, throughout this en- 
tire country. And shall not the young men pre- 
pare themselves to take an active part in driving 
these evils from the land, that the genius of our 
laws, a wise policy, social order, and a correct 
standard of sound morals, may be sustained among 
the people? They surely will contribute their 
mite of influence, as well as their talents, and a 
portion of their wealth, if they possess it, when 
they see and feel its importance to themselves and 
others. 

But they should remember, that to engage suc- 
cessfully in the service of their country, they 



ON PATEIOTISM. 135 

must not be too hasty, or sanguine of success. 
For, however honest may be their intentions, or 
just the cause in which they are engaged, their 
plans will not always succeed, nor will they have 
the ability and skill to accomplish as much as 
they may have anticipated. Some young men, 
after they become a little skillful in business 
transactions, "and acquire some degree of consid- 
eration in the little circle in which they live, and 
taste, for the first time, the sweets of distinction 
and praise," conceive the idea that they are men 
of considerable importance to their country; and 
that her welfare depends, in no small degree, up- 
on the efforts which they are to make, to secure 
her happiness and prosperity. They suppose them- 
selves to be superior to all others as to intellectual 
endowments, sound judgment, and skill in the 
affairs of government; and that they have all the 
elements and qualifications of great men. Hence, 
they fancy to themselves that the multitude will 
be roused to immediate action by the powers of 
their eloquence; that the wise will sanction their 
movements, and at once imagine themselves to be 
orators, statesmen, or any thing that their coun- 
try needs to carry forward her interests. 

Such young men will be very apt to meet with 
disappointment. They will soon discover that 
there are others who have better judgment, more 
skill and ingenuity to plan for the good of society, 
and more ability to execute those plans than 
themselves. They will find, too, that after they 



136 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

have made their greatest efforts, that there are 
others who can better control the minds and feel- 
ings of the people. 

But let us remember also, that if we possess but 
one talent, we are responsible for one only; and 
we should be willing to use it to the best advan- 
tage, though we do but little compared with what 
is done by others. "It is natural for every man 
to wish for distinction ; and the praise of those 
who can confer honor by their praise, in spite of 
all false philosophy, is sweet to every human 
heart. But, as eminence can be the lot of but 
few, patience of obscurity is a duty which we owe 
not more to our happiness than to the quiet of 
the world at large. Give freedom, if you are 
young and ambitious, to that spirit which throbs 
within you ; measure yourself with your equals ; 
and learn from frequent competition, the place 
which Nature has allotted to you; make of it no 
mean battle, but strive hard; strengthen your 
soul to the search of truth, and follow that spec- 
ter of excellence which beckons you on beyond the 
walls of the world to something better than man 
has yet done. It may be, you shall burst out into 
light and glory at the last; but if frequent fail- 
ures convince you of that mediocrity of nature 
which is incompatible with great actions, submit 
wisely and cheerfully to your lot. Smith's ser., 
page 96. 

Another difficulty with which the young man 
may meet, which may be a considerable draw- 



ON PATRIOTISM. 137 

back upon his energies, is, that the people will 
not always properly appreciate his motives, nor 
correctly estimate his real worth. 

Many a genuine bill has been refused by the 
banker or broker, from the fact that there were 
counterfeit bills in circulation. And the genuine 
patriot, while he labors to the best of his ability 
in behalf of his country, will find that there are 
some, who, from the misconduct of others, will 
always be ready to suspect his motives, oppose his 
designs, and bring him into disrepute before the 
public. But considerations of this kind should 
never paralyze the energies or check the zeal of 
the genuine patriot. It has always been the case, 
and will be as long as error and vice are to be 
contended with in the world. 

Let all your actions demonstrate the honesty 
of your intentions. Show by your conduct that 
you have the good of your country at heart, and 
you will soon be able to rise above the low and 
vulgar prejudices of those who are always blind 
to their own interest, and will be able to show to 
the world that you have been actuated, in every 
step that you have taken, by the principles of true 
patriotism. 

We should ever bear in mind that patriotism 
does not consist alone in the performance of noble 
deeds, or in the execution of wise measures ; but 
that much may be done in the cause of truth, vir- 
tue, morality and religion by the example of those 
Who feel interested in these matters. Every man 
12 



138 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

has more or less influence over the minds of those 
with whom he is associated. And we are just as 
responsible for the influence of our example, as 
we are for any other talent that we may possess. 
We are under obligations, then, to guard not only 
against evil, but against the appearance of evil, 
if we would be successful in our attempts to bene- 
fit the community in which we live. 

"It is not enough to ascertain that our actions 
are innocent as to ourselves, but they must be in- 
nocent as to the effect they produce upon others ; 
the consequences of some levity or omission to 
you may be unimportant; but they are not unim- 
portant to those who are guilty of the same thing, 
because you are, and will be guilty of it with far 
other talents, other habits, and other dispositions 
than yourself." — Ibid. 

And now, in conclusion, we would say, let every 
young man be up and doing. There is something 
for all to do. Enough to engage the hearts and 
hands of all who love the country in which they 
have lived from their childhood, and the laws and 
institutions that have guided and protected them 
to the present time. The age in which we live, 
the relations that we sustain to each other and to 
mankind demand it at our hands. If we faith- 
fully discharge the duties that we owe to our 
country, much good may be done by us ; but if 
we fail to do so, our own hearts and the hearts 
of others may be filled with sorrow, and our habi- 
tations with mourning, as we hasten to the silence 



ON PATKIOTISM. 139 

of the grave. Our prayer is, that the young men, 
in this land of schools, churches and bibles, may 
be properly instructed, that our country may still 
flourish, and that virtuous and noble sentiments 
may still control the minds of the people. 



LECTURE VII. 

ON INTEMPERANCE. 

"We call the attention of young men to the 
subject of intemperance, not because of its nov- 
elty, not because we suppose them to be ignorant 
of a vice that is so common in almost every 
community, but because it is destructive in its 
tendency to the best interests of mankind. It 
is so in an intellectual, physical, social, moral, 
and religious point of view; and is directly cal- 
culated to ruin the character, fortune, and the 
temporal and spiritual prospects of all who in- 
dulge in it. 

All serious observers have seen, heard, and 
read enough in the last few years, to satisfy their 
minds that intemperance is doing more real injury 
to society, in this country, than any other evil 
with which it is afflicted. You may look in vain 
for an evil that is more general, and for one that 
more certainly destroys the happiness of man. 
Everywhere you go, you may witness its sad re- 
sults. Here you may see, in ruins, an intellect 
that once entertained lofty conceptions of Deity 
and his works, was capable of contemplating the 
beauty and sublimity of nature, and of delighting 
in that which is moral and elevating in its char- 
(140) 



ON XNTEMPEKANCE. 141 

acter. There, you see a human being, diseased, 
loathsome, ruined, who was once admired because 
of his beauty, symmetry of form, and true manli- 
ness. Look again, and you will behold debauch- 
ery, infamy, and wretchedness, where purity, pros- 
perity, and happiness once prevailed. 

And what is most to be regretted, this tide of 
ruin still rolls on, with unabated fury, to the pre- 
sent day, while efforts, one after another, have 
been made to dry up the fountain from which it 
flows. It is now laying waste the habitations of 
men, destroying the beauty of nature in its loveli- 
ness, pulling down the strongholds of virtue and 
morality, and, if not checked in its course, will 
carry thousands to eternal destruction. 

There are young men, in almost every commu- 
nity, who have studied or are now studying the 
learned professions, practicing with skill and in- 
genuity some mechanical art, studying the laws 
and policy of the country with an eye to becom- 
ing statesmen, engaged in mercantile pursuits, or 
learning, under some experienced hand, how to 
till the soil — that noblest of all pursuits — who, 
from the fact that they are indulging in habits of 
intemperance, will, in less than ten years from 
this time, be confirmed drunkards. They will 
disgrace their profession, ruin their trade, fill the 
hearts of their parents and friends with sorrow 
and mourning, and then make their way, with 
rapid steps, down to the drunkard's grave. 

It is enough to pain the heart of the true pa- 



142 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

triot, when he contemplates the condition of many 
of the young men of this country; especially 
when he sees that they are well educated, have 
fine natural sense, are generous and noble-hearted, 
full of life and animation — when he sees that they 
are capable of noble deeds, might, if they would, 
stand high in the scale of intellectual greatness, 
occupy a prominent position among the most cele- 
brated statesmen, poets, and orators of the day, 
and then reflects that they are yielding to the in- 
fluence of a vice that has already ruined so many, 
and brought them to an untimely death. That 
instead of pursuing the course they should, instead 
of trying to elevate themselves in the estimation 
of all good men, and of doing something for their 
country worthy of the age in which they live, they 
are throwing their influence in favor of that mon- 
ster evil, intemperance — using strong drink as a 
beverage, engaging in the traffic of the same, and 
are ready to sanction any movement by which it 
may be placed in the reach of all who may have 
the inclination to use the poisonous stuff. 

What a pity that young men, surrounded with 
circumstances so favorable, enjoying the confi- 
dence of their friends, and standing high in 
society, should ever indulge a habit that so 
universally paralyzes the energies of the most 
uncompromising! That so certainly undermines 
the vital powers of the system, degrades man in 
his own estimation, and in the estimation of 
others, destroys fortune and fame, and all the 



ON INTEMPEKA1STCE. 143 

pleasures of this life, and finally carries soul and 
body into the regions of interminable woe and 
misery ; for, it should be remembered, that the 
results of intemperance cease not when man's 
present existence ceases, but will follow him to 
the land of spirits. For it is said, in the volume 
of inspiration, that " drunkards," as well as other 
evil doers, " shall have their part in the lake that 
burneth with fire and brimstone." 

It affords us great pleasure, however, when we 
reflect, that the people of this country, and also 
of Europe, France, and Ireland, as well as in 
various other civilized countries, have turned 
their attention to the evil consequences of using 
intoxicating liquors as a beverage ; and that they 
have done so much to check its influence. This 
subject has been thoroughly canvassed by many 
of the greatest men of the age. The evil tend- 
encies of intemperance, after having been closely 
investigated, have been clearly set forth, and fully 
demonstrated. 

Philosophers, moralists, physicians, and thou- 
sands who are engaged in the learned professions, 
as well as ministers and people, have, after mature 
deliberation, decided that intemperance, in its 
influence and tendency, is evil, " and only evil, 
and that continually." In fact, inebriates them- 
selves, and even the worst class of men that you 
can find, will acknowledge the correctness of the 
decision just mentioned. And there are hundreds 
and thousands of the young men of this country, 



144 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

who most heartily sanction the truth of this 
decision. 

As evidence of the fact, many of them have 
taken an active part in the cause of temperance, 
and have manifested a willingness to do all in 
their power to drive the monster, intemperance, 
from the land. One of the most powerful tem- 
perance lectures that we remember ever having 
heard, was delivered by a young man not more 
than seventeen or eighteen years of age. He was 
then a student of law, and lived in an inland 
town, where there was a great deal of intemper- 
ance among some of the young men; and, it 
seems, that he became disgusted at their conduct, 
turned his attention to the evil effects of intem- 
perance, and prepared himself to fight against 
those evils wherever, and whenever, he might 
meet with them. He has since graduated and 
engaged in the practice of law, has already 
distinguished himself as an able jurist, and is 
destined, from present indications, to stand high 
among the great men of his profession. 

In view of what has been said ; in view of the 
opinions of the oldest and best men in our 
country, as well as in view of your own observa- 
tions as to the sad effects of intemperance, we 
ask, will you not, as a young man "just starting 
in the world," just embarking on the tempestu- 
ous sea of time, reflect upon the evil consequences 
of this ruinous vice ? 

Will you not look around you and see how 






ON INTEMPEKANCE. 145 

many, who started on life's journey with prospects 
as bright as yours are at present, with buoyant 
hopes of the future, who, by indulging in habits 
of intemperance, have lost their high and honor- 
able position in society, have lost confidence in 
themselves, and may now be found associating 
with the low and vulgar, void entirely of those 
refined feelings and sentiments by which they 
were once governed? 

If you value life, with all its blessings ; if you 
value health, prosperity and happiness; and if 
you have any regard for the feelings of your 
parents, who are watching your steps with so 
much interest; for the feelings of your friends, 
who would make any reasonable sacrifice that 
would be the means of making you honorable ; 
and, above all, if you have any regard for that 
undying principle in your bosom,, that will soon 
be in another state of existence, resolve never to 
taste, as a beverage, nor to handle, as a matter 
of profit, the worst of all poisons, intoxicating 
liquors. 

For, if you do, you will be without excuse for 
your conduct. You will have no one to blame 
but yourself. You can not plead ignorance of 
the effects of strong drink upon the mental and 
physical constitution. The facts, on this subject, 
are before you, written out in characters too plain 
to be misunderstood by any man of ordinary 
capacity. No young man, in this land of temper- 
ance societies, this land of temperance lectures, 
13 



146 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

will ever be able to say, under existing circum- 
stances, " I am an intemperate man/' or, " I have 
lost fortune, character, and standing in society 
because I ignorantly indulged in habits of intem- 
perance/ 5 For we have but to look around us if 
we would have a clear view of its results. The 
plea of ignorance, on this subject, would be a poor 
apology, at least in this country, in the middle of 
the nineteenth century. 

Our remarks, thus far, have been general. "We 
wish to be a little more explicit on some points 
that we have, to some extent, already touched. As 
a matter of convenience, we will arrange what we 
have to say, under two or three plain proposi- 
tions. 

"We notice, in the first place, some of the causes 
of intemperance. 

As a young man that wishes to "be temperate 
in all things," that wishes to be respectable as to 
moral character, and useful to others, it is im- 
portant that you should be familiar, not only 
with the results of using strong drink as a bever- 
age, but with those things which lead men to 
become intemperate. 

It may be proper here to inquire, "What is in- 
temperance ? What is implied by the term ? We 
answer, that the best definition that we can find, 
after having examined several authors, is, " habit- 
ual indulgence in drinking spiritous liquors, with 
or without intoxication ;" or, which is substantially 
the same thing, using them as a beverage. It may 



ON INTEMPERANCE. 147 

be said, then, that an intemperate man is one who 
is addicted to the use of spiritous liquors. 

Why, then, do men thus indulge? Why do 
they acquire such habits? Why do they risk so 
much for so little ? Ah ! for no good at all. 
What can induce men to practice the habit of 
using intoxicating liquors, when they know that 
such a habit is fraught with so much evil to 
themselves and others; when they are so well 
acquainted with the ravages of this monster evil ? 
Various causes have been assigned by different 
writers and speakers, all of which deserve your 
special consideration, from the fact, that in guard- 
ing successfully against any evil, it is important 
that we should well understand its origin. 

One of the principal causes of intemperance, 
among young men, is a want of consideration. 
They do not sufficiently reflect as to the evils 
that it invariably produces, nor as to its final con- 
sequences. For surely no young man of good 
common sense, after candid and deliberate con- 
sideration, and a serious contemplation of the sad 
results of intemperate habits, as witnessed by him 
almost every day, would deliberately become a 
slave to a vice that he knows must, sooner or 
later, be his ruin. At least we find it difficult 
to believe such a proposition. 

Now it will be remembered that the above re- 
mark does not apply to the case of those who are 
confirmed inebriates from settled intemperate 
habits. They use intoxicating liquors because 



148 LECTUEES TO YOUNG- MEN. 

they are fond of the taste, because they have an 
uncontrollable appetite for them, engendered by 
their constant use. Such things may be confi- 
dently looked for when strong drink is used for 
any length of time as a beverage. Hence our re- 
marks, on this point, may be applied exclusively 
to the case of young men who have not acquired 
such tastes and appetites. 

How natural it is for young men to adopt, with- 
out due consideration, the views and opinions of j 
their parents on this subject; and how many, by 
doing so, have found, when it was too late, that the 
views and opinions of their parents were the most 
unfortunate for them that they ever entertained. 

A young man is apt to argue thus in regard to 
this matter : " My father is a sensible, clever man, 
ready to advance my interest and welfare in every 
way that he can; he is willing, at all times, to 
shield me from those influences and habits that 
are injurious in their tendency, and is ever ready 
to point out to me the path of virtue and moral- 
ity. He uses spiritous liquors as a beverage, al- 
lows me to do the same, and says it is not wrong, 
unless it is used to excess. My associates and 
friends advocate and practice the same doctrine, 
and, therefore, I am inclined to the opinion that 
if I practice the same things, I have not neces- 
sarily committed a very great moral wrong." 

But we would ask such a young man — Did youl 
ever call in question the correctness of your 
father's notions in regard to this matter? Did 



ON INTEMPEEANCE. 149 

you ever reflect that he, like other men, is a fal- 
lible being, liable to err in this, as well as in rela- 
tion to other things ? He may be wrong. He 
doubtless is wrong, when he says to you that you 
may use intoxicating liquors as a beverage, with- 
out material injury to yourself. Although we 
have said in another lecture, and believe it to be 
right for children to obey their parents in all 
things lawful, yet, we say listen not to your father 
if he says that to use strong drink as a beverage 
is not evil in its tendency. Follow not his exam- 
ple in this respect, however much you may rev- 
erence him as a kind parent, if he from time to 
time uses as a beverage that fearful poison, which 
is so destructive to the happiness of man. 

If your father and all your friends and asso- 
ciates have been wrong all their lives on this sub- 
ject, and have practiced the vice of drinking 
ardent spirits to an extent that is disgraceful, it 
will be no excuse for you, if you, by following 
their example, should meet with the same fate. 
The evidences of the evils of intemperance are 
held out to your view in various ways, and call 
loudly for your consideration. Some of your 
most intimate friends and acquaintances have 
fallen victims to this fell monster before your 
eyes ; and now, if you will not reflect, if you will 
not be warned by such examples, but blindly fol- 
low the course which they pursued, a course 
which every reflecting man must condemn, be it 
so. But remember that in so doing, you are liable 



150 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

to realize in future what you may now see in the 
distance, and may avoid by proper reflection. 

Again, intemperance often originates in the 
want of moral courage, upon the part of young 
men, to resist what they know to be wrong. 

It is often the case, that they are satisfied, after 
mature deliberation, that the use of strong drink, 
as a beverage, is injurious to the physical consti- 
tution, and leads to vice in almost every shape 
and form, and look upon intemperance, and espe- 
cially drunkenness, with feelings of disgust. They 
have often resolved, in seeing its injurious effects 
here and there, that they never would indulge in 
the use of intoxicating liquors of any kind. 

But they have grown up to manhood, left their 
parents, gone out into society, and are led, finally, 
by their associates, to circles in which the use of 
alcohol as a beverage is a common thing. And 
now they are invited, and if this is not sufficient, 
they are urged to take a social glass. They feel 
that to do so is wrong, contrary to their better 
informed judgment; but they wish to be agree- 
able, have n't the moral courage to run the risk 
of being singular under such circumstances, and, 
at last, to accommodate their friends, the intoxi- 
cating stuff is taken. 

How many just here begin a career of intem- 
perance, dissipation and debauch that leads to 
present and eternal ruin ! 

Young men, let us urge you not to yield to 
such influences. Set your face like a flint against 



ON INTEMPEKANCE. 151 

such an evil practice. Guard well against the 
persuasions of those who are indulging in a habit 
that has led so many to poverty and wretched- 
ness. Having satisfied yourself that it is wrong 
to use spiritous liquors as a beverage, never yield 
to the solicitations of your friends to drink. 
Break off from their association altogether, how- 
ever much you may love and admire them, rather 
than do so. And in your declining days, with 
confirmed habits of sobriety, enjoying the com- 
forts and blessings of life, and anticipating the 
blessings of the world to come, you will look back 
to such steps as being among the best act$ of 
your life. 

We might here refer to various other direct 
and indirect causes of intemperance, such as the 
example of men occupying a position that gives 
them great influence over the minds of the young, 
the laxity of the civil laws in regard to it, and the 
facilities for obtaining, and the inducements to use 
intoxicating liquors. But our aim has been to 
notice the causes which more especially afiect the 
case of young men. 

We notice in the next place, some of the evils 
of intemperance. We say some of the evils, which 
follow habits of intemperance, from the fact, that 
time would fail us were we to undertake to no- 
tice all; and we will confine our attention to a 
few simple illustrations. 

One among the greatest evils that we have 



152 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

noticed, is the sad change which it often produces 
in the family circle. 

Fancy to yourself a family, where peace, order, 
and harmony prevails. "Where there is conjugal, 
parental, filial, and fraternal love. The parents 
are respectable, intelligent, and influential in so- 
ciety; are prospering in their worldly pursuits, 
and bid fair to occupy a prominent position in 
the community in which they live. Their chil- 
dren are sprightly, lovely in their manners, agree- 
able in their disposition, inclined to follow the 
footsteps of their parents, and seem to delight in 
obeying and honoring them. It may be said, 

" Here love his golden shafts employ, here lights 
His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings, 
Reigns here, and revels." 

So lovely is the dwelling-place of such a family, 
that the learned, the wise, and the good delight 
to go there to spend, from time to time, a few 
pleasant hours in that circle of friendship and 
love. 

But now look at this family a little further 
along, and 0, what a change ! That monster, in- 
temperance, has been there, and the father has 
fallen a victim to his ravages, and the sons are 
now within his grasp, and destined to fare the 
same fate. And now, where once might be seen 
plenty, gayety, cheerfulness, and happiness; we 
see want with all its attendant evils, sadness, sor- 
row and misery. 



ON INTEMPEEANCE. 153 

That home once so lovely, " is changed into 
the pandemonium of disease and cruelty, hatred 
and malice, ignorance, poverty, disease, and 
wretchedness." 

But the evils of intemperance are, if possible, 
more clearly illustrated in the case of individuals, 
than by families or communities. 

And here, we ask, who can describe the evils 
of indulging in the use of ardent spirits, when 
once such a habit is confirmed ? " It mars the 
beauty of the human face divine," diminishes the 
brilliancy of the eye, checks the healthy circula- 
tion of the blood, and the active play of the 
limbs, unnerves the constitution, and disqualifies 
us for all bodily exercise, where health, strength, 
and a vigorous constitution are called for. 

More than this, it impairs the faculties of the 
mind. It weakens the powers of perception and 
attention. It dethrones judgment and subjects it 
to the sway of the passions. It destroys the 
memory, blunts all the finer feelings and sensibili- 
ties of the mind, and leaves us wholly unprepared 
to arrive at any high degree of intellectual and 
moral improvement. How many cases may be 
found in every community that will correspond 
to the letter, with what has just been said. 

Men of all professions and trades, have been 
ruined by their intemperate habits. 

Look around in the community in which you 
live, and you will see here a physician that was 
once well skilled in the management of diseases, 



154 LECTURES TO YOUJS T G MEN. 

but is now so addicted to the use of intoxicating 
liquors, that no one can feel safe in risking their 
life in his hands. There you will see a judge, a 
jurist, a statesman, and worst of all, if we may 
make a distinction, a minister of the gospel, all 
of whom were once eminent in their respective 
professions and callings, who have fallen from 
their high position, and are now mingling with 
the very dregs of society. 

A very striking instance of this kind, just now 
presents itself to our mind. 

It is the case of a young minister who belonged 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Previous to 
his conversion and connection with the church, he 
had contracted habits of intemperance. After- 
ward, however, he quit the habit and became a 
sober man, was, some time after he connected 
himself with the church, licensed to preach the 
gospel of Christ, joined the annual conference, 
which embraced the community in which he lived, 
and traveled therein for some two years. At the 
close of the last year, he went to conference, 
where he met with his brethren, not one of whom 
suspected that he was guilty of any moral wrong. 

A few days passed away, and this young minis- 
ter was taken ill. A physician was called in, 
and soon discovered, as he thought, that he was 
afflicted with a slight attack of bilious fever. 
After attending to his case regularly for some 
two or three days, with little success, he suspected 
that there was something wrong in his case. 



ON IOTEMPEKANCE. 155 

He came to the writer, and wished to know if 
we knew any thing of the habits of this minister 
before he made a profession of religion. We 
gave him the facts as above stated. He replied, 
that he wished one or two of this minister's 
intimate friends to go with him to his (the minis- 
ter's) room. They went, and under the pretense 
of changing his bedclothes, found a bottle pretty 
well filled with spiritous liquor. The mystery 
connected with his disease was at once solved. He 
then confessed that he had been drinking to ex- 
cess for some three or four months previous to the 
time here specified. The next morning, a recon- 
sideration of his character was called for before 
the conference and he was immediately expelled; 
having disgraced himself, and the church to which 
he belonged. 

Now, young men, look at this case for yourself. 
See how dangerous it is to tamper with strong 
drink, especially in your youthful days. That 
young minister, doubtless, thought that he could, 
and would conquer his appetite for intoxicating 
liquors, which he had acquired in his youthful 
days, and labored long and faithfully to do so. 
But oh, what a failure he made ! Like thousands 
of others in the same condition, having contracted 
similar habits and appetites, he resolves and re- 
resolves not to yield to its power, but all to no 
purpose. He is conquered by it at last, and is 
ruined by its influence. 

And now, we ask, where did the history of 



156 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

this young man in this respect begin? "When he 
commenced taking a dram occasionally. But 
where did it end? In the disgrace of a minister 
of Christ, who was capable (for he was a man of 
talents) of being useful to the church and to the 
world, and might have lived happy, died trium- 
phantly, and lived among the blessed forever. 

We give another instance of the evils of intem- 
perance, selected from ancient history. It is the 
case of Alexander the Great. 

The historian, after giving an account of Alex- 
ander's killing his best friend, Clitus, while under 
the influence of intoxicating liquor, during a 
drunken carousal, and of his feelings in regard to 
the rash act when he came to himself, continues, 
by saying, " when this same prince was at Baby- 
lon, after having spent a whole night in carousing, 
a second was proposed to him. He went accord- 
ingly, and there were twenty guests at table. He 
drank to the health of every person in company, 
and then pledged them severally. After that, call- 
ing for Hercules' cup, which held an incredible 
quantity, it was filled, when he poured it all down, 
drinking to a Macedonian of the company, Proteus, 
by name; and afterward pledged him again, in 
the same furious and extravagant bumper. He 
had no sooner swallowed it, than he fell upon the 
floor." 

"Here, then (cries Seneca, describing the fatal 
effects of drunkeness), this hero, unconquered by 
all the toils of prodigious marches, exposed to the 



ON INTEMPEKAlSrCE. 157 

dangers of sieges and combats, to the most violent 
extremes of heat and cold, here he lies, subdued 
by his intemperance, and struck to the earth by 
the fatal cup of Hercules." In this condition he 
was seized with a fever, which, in a few days, 
terminated in death. Pie was thirty-two years 
and eight months old, of which he had reigned 
twelve. "No one," says Plutarch and Arian, 
"suspected then that Alexander had been poi- 
soned; the true poison which brought him to his 
end was wine, which has killed many thousands 
besides Alexander." 

Still another instance; "Dionysius the younger, 
king of Syracuse, was so addicted to this ener- 
vating folly, that he would sometimes be drunk 
for a week or ten days together. By this means 
he ruined his constitution, impaired his faculties, 
and became so cruel, ridiculous, and contempt- 
ible, that, for their preservation and happiness, his 
subjects were obliged to dethrone him." 

Said Chief Justice Hale; "After twenty years' 
observation and experience, if all the murders, and 
manslaughters, and burglaries, and robberies, and 
riots, and tumults; the adulteries, fornications, 
rapes, and other great enormities, which have been 
committed within that time, were divided into five 
parts, four of them would be found to have been 
the result of intemperance." 

Young reader, if what has been said on this 
subject be true, and we defy any one to establish 
the contrary, what an awful evil is intemperance ! 



158 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

And how careful should you be in regard to its 
influence! Never allow yourself to get within 
reach of its grasp ; for fearful beyond description 
will be your condition if you should. 

Before we close we will make a few general 
observations. 

Young men should remember that their influ- 
ence in society depends greatly upon their being 
strictly temperate in their habits. Every man 
should feel himself under obligations to benefit 
his fellow-beings to the utmost of his ability. 
It is a duty enjoined upon all men by their Crea- 
tor; and not to perform that duty, is to render 
ourselves culpable in his sight. And just in the 
same proportion that it is our duty to "do good 
unto all men," is it our duty to avoid the evils of 
intemperate habits. 

Not to avoid the latter, is to disqualify our- 
selves, to a greater or less extent, for the discharge 
of the former. An intemperate man is doing 
harm all the time. If in no other way, he is 
doing immense injury by his example. If a fa- 
ther, he is injuring his own family, his friends, 
his associates, and in fact, the whole community 
in w^hich he lives. If a son, intemperance para- 
lyzes his energies, weakens his moral sensibilities, 
and takes from him all desire to do good. In- 
stead of doing all he can to build up the waste 
places of society, and elevate those around him to 
a high moral position, he is pursuing a course di- 
rectly the contrary. This is the case, more or 



ON INTEMPEKANCE. 159 

less, with all men of intemperate habits, let their 
relationship to those around them be what it may. 

That you may see more clearly the truth of 
this last remark, let us ask, which class in society 
is doing the most to benefit their community, by 
sustaining her laws and institutions, the temperate 
portion of the inhabitants or the intemperate? 
Can any one of ordinary observation be at a 
loss to answer this question ? Surely not. Every 
individual of common information knows, that it 
is the temperate portion of society that is urging 
forward, with so much energy, those measures so 
well calculated to bless mankind. 

Then, if you would be useful as a young man, 
you must be temperate ; and to be temperate, you 
must abstain entirely from the use of intoxicating 
liquors as a beverage. By so doing, your mind 
will be kept on a proper balance. Its faculties 
and powers will always be in full and active play. 
And you will be prepared to act in the service of 
your fellow-beings, not only with deliberation and 
sound judgment, but with delight to yourself, and 
all who realize the influence of your noble deeds. 

Remember, also, that intemperance, more cer- 
tainly than almost any thing else, determines the 
state of men. Scarcely any thing is more diffi- 
cult than to reach the case of the drunkard, by 
those influences designed to redeem man, in a 
religious point of view, and guide his feet into 
the path that leads to life eternal. Intemperance 



160 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

seems to harden the heart against all religious 
impressions, while it is next to impossible to get 
him to reflect upon his condition morally, to come 
to the mercy-seat of his Creator, and ask for for- 
giveness and salvation. 

The Gospel, so far as he is concerned, is preached 
in vain. Although he may occasionally hear it, 
it makes but little impression upon his mind. His 
most devoted and pious friends may talk to him 
about his present condition and future destiny, as 
an intemperate man; and he will tell them that 
his course is wrong and leads to poverty and dis- 
tress. But at the same time, he has no resolution 
to pursue the path of virtue and piety to which 
they may direct him. It seems, in fact, that when 
a man is once confirmed in his habits of intem- 
perance, that he will, in spite of all your persua- 
sions, persist in his miserable course of debauch- 
ery, until he reaches the last stage of his miserable 
existence. And oh! how fearful must be the end 
of such a man, when we take into consideration 
that drunkenness is classed with mortal sins! 

It is said by an inspired Apostle, " The works 
of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adul- 
tery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, witch- 
craft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, 
sedition, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, 
revelings, and such like, of the which I tell you 
before, as I have already told you in times past, 
that they which do such things shall not inherit 



ON INTEMPEKANCE. 161 

the kingdom of God." "Well might the Apostle 
say, in another place, in view of this declaration, 
"Be not drunk with wine wherein is excess." 

Young man, do you wish to be useful and 
happy in life? Do you wish to be intelligent, 
refined in your manners, pleasant and agreeable 
in your dispositions ? Do you wish others to 
love, respect, and admire you for your morality 
and good behavior in society ? Above all, do you 
desire, when the scenes of this world are wound 
to a close, to live in a brighter, purer world than 
this? If so, be temperate. Touch not, taste 
not, handle not, intoxicating liquors; for, when- 
ever you do, you are in imminent danger. Let 
no influence, however potent, no temptation, how- 
ever strong, lead you, under any circumstance 
whatever, to use spiritous liquors as a beverage. 
Prevent all others from doing so whenever it is 
in your power. And, by your example, lead all 
with whom you associate into the path of virtue, 
morality and religion. 

You should always feel a deep interest in the 
welfare of your country, and be willing to rescue 
your fellow-beings from the path that leads to 
wretchedness and misery. And there is no path 
that leads more directly to this condition than 
that of intemperance. 

If, then, any of your associates are in the habit 

of indulging in the use of strong drink as a 

beverage, rest not until you succeed in influencing 

them to abandon the habit. Remember that their 

14 



162 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 






position, in a short time, may be quite different 
from what it is at present. They may be heads 
of families, and those under their care will be 
following their example. They may be associated 
with those who are enacting laws that will effect 
your interests and the interests of your family. 
how important that they should be sober, re- 
flecting, and deliberate men ! Think of these 
things while young. Think how much you can 
accomplish, if you but start and continue in the 
right direction. 



LECTURE VIII. 

THE FORMATION OF A GOOD CHARACTER. 

Among the learned, and those who have studied 
more closely the philosophy of human nature, 
and especially the philosophy of the human mind, 
there are a great many different opinions as to 
the origin of the various traits of character 
manifested by different individuals. Men differ as 
widely from each other in their moral character, 
as they do in their opinions or natural appear- 
ance. In regard to this fact, there is but little 
controversy; for it is evident, that among those 
who have a good or a bad moral character, a vast 
difference may be perceived by the most careless 
observer. 

But as to the means or influences which pro- 
duce this diversity of character, there is some 
disagreement among those who have paid atten- 
tion to this subject. The point under considera- 
tion just here, is embraced in the following 
question : "Why are men so unlike each other as 
to their moral character ? It does not originate 
in the climate of their country, the form of 
government under which they live, or the fashions 
and customs of society with which they are sur- 
rounded, (although these things may have much 
to do in shaping man's character in a national 

(163) 



164 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

point of view,) for in these respects all may be 
alike situated, and yet this difference may be 
clearly seen. 

Some, in investigating the elements of a good 
character, have attributed this difference to early 
education and training. They maintain that all 
young men, who are in possession of a good 
moral character, havg been controlled by the 
example, influence and training of parents and 
teachers, who have had a high appreciation of 
that which is admirable and honorable among 
men ; and that those who have a bad moral char- 
acter, have been brought up by, and among those 
who had no regard for refinement of morals or 
manners, and were base and dishonorable in their 
entire course of conduct. 

Others maintain that nature molds and fash- 
ions the character of every individual. Hence 
they contend, that if this young man has an un- 
blemished character, it is evidence of the fact 
that nature has endowed him with superior intel- 
lectual faculties, which are untrammeled by a frail 
constitution, to prevent their full development; 
and that he ought, therefore, in view of his 
opportunities, to occupy higher ground in regard 
to moral conduct. And that if the other young 
man leads a dishonorable life, it is owing to the 
weakness of his intellectual faculties, and a want 
of physical health and strength to develop those 
faculties, and thus enable him to rise higher in the 
scale of moral purity and goodness. 



FORMATION OF A GOOD CHARACTER. 165 

The young reader will allow the remark here, 
that some parents are so fully persuaded of the 
correctness of this last-named position, that they 
make but little or no effort to "train up their 
children in the way they should go," and leave 
them altogether to nature or to chance, so far as 
their moral character is concerned. But they are 
responsible for their lack of wisdom and discern- 
ment in this matter. 

Proper training, and natural endowments may, 
and doubtless do, have considerable influence in 
shaping the character of the man ; and it would 
be well for all young men to remember the moral 
lessons which they have so recently learned from 
their parents. And they should also remember 
that whatever else they may receive from their 
parents, they do not inherit from them their 
good character. Nor does nature, with all her 
rich and varied gifts, bestow this upon any indi- 
vidual. Your parents . may be truly pious, and 
strictly moral, and their character may be with- 
out a blemish, and you may pursue a course that 
will be disgraceful to yourself and dishonorable 
to them. You may be richly endowed with some 
of nature's best gifts, a noble intellect, keen per- 
ceptive powers, a vivid imagination, and judg- 
ment sufficient to enable you to decide correctly 
as to the morality or immorality of any particular 
course of conduct ; and yet these noble faculties 
may be so neglected or abused by you, that you 
may be without character or standing in society. 



J 



166 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

Bring up before your mind two individuals 
whose opportunities in all these respects, ha/ve 
been the same. Two brothers, for example. They 
were trained and educated alike. The example 
set before both was the same, and the same views 
and sentiments were instilled into their youthful 
minds. As to their intellectual capacities, there 
was no discoverable difference. The character of 
both, while under the control of their parents, 
was untarnished, so far as relates to any violation 
of the rules of good society. But now they have 
left their parents, and stand alone in the world. 
And is there still no difference as it regards their 
moral character? So great is the difference in 
this respect now, that there is scarcely any com- 
parison between them. 

One has pursued a moral and upright course 
among men in every particular, and has refused 
to stoop to any thing that was low or disreputa- 
ble. And the result is, as might be expected, all 
regard him as a man sound in morals, and as well 
deserving the honors which are being conferred 
upon him. "While the other has yielded to im- 
proper influences, cast off* the badge of honor that 
he once wore with so much pleasure to himself 
and others, has fallen from the position that he 
once occupied, and now, instead of being honored 
and respected, his conduct is despised by all. 

We frequently meet with young men whose 
parents were not only poor and illiterate, but so 
immoral and beastly in their manners, that they 



FOKMATHOT OF A GOOD CHAKACTEE. 167 

were a disgrace to their species, and yet such, 
young men, by proper attention to a better state 
of things, have learned how to conduct them- 
selves in society, how to act toward others, and 
have thereby built up for themselves a character 
which might justly be envied by many of the 
nobles of the earth. Others, whose parents were 
wealthy, educated, and refined in their manners, 
have neglected the rules of propriety, pursued a 
different course, and now stand on a level with 
the lowest grade of society, destitute of every 
thing like moral virtue and refinement. 

In vain, then, may we look to the titles, the 
honors, or the fame of our ancestors to establish 
our character in this age of light and improve- 
ment. In vain may we look to the cultivation of 
our minds, or our superior mental faculties to 
establish our claims to a good moral character. 
For we may have the advantage of all these, and 
yet our claims may be rejected by all wise and 
good men. A man's character is now estimated, 
not by the number of his high-sounding titles, his 
superiority in office, or his literary fame, but by 
the good qualities of his heart, as manifested in 
his life and conduct. 

But we wish, if possible, to impress upon the 
minds of young men the importance of a good 
moral character. It is of more real value to us, 
so far as our usefulness and happiness is con- 
cerned, than any thing else that is earthly in its 
nature and origin. A man, without a good char- 






168 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

acter, may possess fine talents, abundance of 
wealth, and a vast amount of scientific and intel- 
lectual knowledge, and still live in obscurity. 
"While, if he is all right as to moral character, he 
may be lacking in many other things, and still 
be prominent among the great men of the world, 
and may have the confidence of all who know 
him. 

Thousands who have had every opportunity to 
distinguish themselves in the world, of filling 
high and honorable offices among their fellow- 
beings, and of making themselves useful to soci- 
ety, have failed to do so, not for want of intelli- 
gence, not for want of skill in the management 
of the affairs of men, not for want of ability to 
promote the happiness of men, but for want of 
those peculiar traits of character without which 
the confidence of a people never can be secured. 
Aaron Burr was, doubtless, a greater man, in- 
tellectually, than Benjamin Franklin. In this re- 
spect, he had but few equals, and probably no 
superiors, in his day. He was capable of filling 
almost any office, and of guiding the affairs of 
men and of nations, so far as his mental qualifi- 
cations were concerned ; and doubtless would have 
been a great statesman, and a prominent man in 
this country, if he had been a man of honesty 
and moral integrity. But he was lacking in both 
these respects. His mind was full of low, cun- 
ning intrigue. He yielded to his uncontrolled 
appetites and passions, and disgraced himself, and 



FORMATION OF A GOOD CHARACTER. 169 

all who were associated with him in his career of 
vice and prodigality. And after living a few 
years in confinement and obscurity, he died un- 
wept and unpitied by his country. 

But now let the young reader direct his atten- 
tion to the history of Benjamin Franklin, and let 
him ask — Why was he so distinguished as a 
statesman? Why was he so honored by the peo- 
ple ? Why was he selected to fill so many offices 
of trust ? Why is his conduct in the days of his 
youth, manhood, and old age, as a man, a states- 
man, and a patriot, pointed out as a model for 
others down to the present day? It is not owing 
to his early advantages, for he was left to shape 
his own course through life from childhood. It 
is not owing to wealth, for this he did not pos- 
sess. It was not owing to his intellectual capacity 
alone, for many of his equals, in this respect, lived 
and died in obscurity. Whence, then, his great- 
ness? It was owing to the qualities of the man 
in a moral point of view. He was a man of good 
moral character. He yielded to the impulse of no 
low and selfish principle. He had respect for 
himself and his standing in society. He occupied 
high and honorable ground in all his movements, 
and thus gained the confidence of the people, and 
stood high in their estimation. 

That the young reader may see more clearly 

the importance of a good moral character, let him 

bring up before his mind the case of that young 

physician in his neighborhood. He is well edu- 

15 



170 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

cated, has fine natural sense, has studied every 
branch connected with the science of medicine, 
possesses medical skill in no small degree, and as 
for judgment in the treatment of diseases, seems 
to be at no loss. And yet his practice, as a phy- 
sician, seems to be quite limited. No one seems 
willing to risk their case in his hands. And why ? 
Why does he stand idle all the day, and meet with 
so little to encourage him in the practice of his 
profession? The principal reason is, the people 
have no confidence in his moral integrity. He 
indulges in so many of the vices of the day, and 
manifests so little regard for the rules of good 
society, that the people can not trust him. 

That young jurist is a graduate of one of the 
best law schools in all the country. His powers 
of eloquence at the bar are surpassed by no one 
of his age in the profession in which he is en- 
gaged. But he is not respected at the bar. 
Scarcely any one goes to him for council. The 
community seems to manifest no interest in his 
welfare; and all who have proper respect for 
themselves, seem inclined to shun his company ; 
all from the fact that he does not possess those 
amiable traits of character which would insure 
his success. These remarks will apply with equal 
force to the merchant, the mechanic, the farmer, 
and to young men of all trades and professions. 

See that young man who listened to the moral 
instruction of his parents, who kept himself at a 
distance from every immoral habit in the days 



FOEMATION OF A GOOD CHAEACTEE. 171 

of his youth. ; who, amid all the fluctuations of 
society, and the changes of fortune, has steadily 
maintained the strictest principles of morality. 
All men, even bad men themselves, admire his 
character and his course of conduct. And now 
the greatest honor that they can confer upon 
him, is freely bestowed, for they are satisfied that 
he is worthy of their entire confidence. 

Having made these general remarks in regard 
to the importance of a good character, we will 
notice more particularly the means to be used in 
the formation of such a character. 

To be successful in this matter, it is highly 
necessary that a young man should have correct 
views of a good character. Its outlines should 
be brought distinctly before his mind, that he may 
have a correct idea of what is to be aimed at. 
He may be very energetic, and travel rapidly. 
He may place a high estimate upon a good char- 
acter, and desire it above every thing else, but all 
the time may be going in the wrong direction to 
secure the object of his pursuit. Thousands of 
young men, when they have seen or heard of the 
exalted position which men have obtained, prin- 
cipally because they were men of unblemished 
character, have resolved that they would refrain 
from every thing that would produce the slightest 
stain upon their character ; and that they would 
pursue a course, in future, that would be univer- 
sally admired, that they might be recognized as 
men of moral worth, and be universally honored. 



172 LECTUEES TO YOUNG ME1ST. 

But, unfortunately, their calculations were in- 
correct as to the course to be pursued. They 
have done a great deal, for which they deserve 
credit, much that was really praiseworthy; but 
as the result of ignorance, or inattention to the 
principal ingredients of a good character, they 
have taken some steps before they were conscious 
of their error, which have blasted all their pros- 
pects, and deprived them of the object at which 
they aimed. Very much, then, in the formation 
of a good character, depends the ideas which we 
entertain in regard to it. 

Perfection, as to character, we need not expect 
to find ; for the most virtuous, exemplary, honest 
and honorable may discover their own failings, 
and they may be seen, also, by others. It is not 
the best policy, then, for a young man to select 
any particular individual as his model of excel- 
lence in this respect ; for he may be influenced as 
much by his bad as by his good qualities. It 
would be much better for him to select his mate- 
rial, by catching the excellency of every good 
model. Let him resolve to imitate the example of 
no one, unless he knows, that in so doing, he is 
running no risk. 

In looking for the proper steps to be taken in 
the formation of character, we should not rely 
too much upon the say so of any particular in- 
dividual or individuals. Men differ very much 
in their opinions as to what constitutes a model 
character. What one may tell you to do, another 



FOKMATIOjS" OF A GOOD CHAKACTEK. 173 

may tell you to leave undone. And that to 
which one will attach a great deal of importance, 
another will attach no importance at all. While 
one points to this path as leading to distinction 
of character, another points to a path leading 
altogether in a different direction; and, at the 
same time, all may wish to guide you to the same 
desirable end. 

To illustrate : This man urges the absolute 
necessity of avoiding every thing like dishonesty, 
but gives no instruction as to the sentiments to 
be entertained in regard to any other principle 
of action, esteeming every thing else, when com- 
pared with honesty, as a matter of minor import- 
ance; while the other will direct you to pay 
special attention to various other points, which 
will be strictly observed by those who, in future, 
may have occasion to investigate the genuineness 
of your character. 

A man of thought, who wishes to have a 
building erected of the most durable material, 
will not cease to inquire about this or the other 
material, after consulting one or two builders, but 
wishes to select that material which is admitted 
by all to be the most durable. So it should be 
with that young man who wishes to build up for 
himself a good character in the world. "While 
this man gives him useful information on this 
point, and the other on that, while he may, with 
propriety, follow this and the other example to a 
certain or limited extent, he should select, for the 



174 LECTURES TO YOUNG ME1ST. 

government of his life and conduct, those prin- 
ciples that the wisest and best men in all ages 
and countries have decided to be genuine and 
important. 

And now, having selected the material and laid 
a good foundation, let each young man begin, 
with care and prudence, to erect the building. 
But, in the mean time, pay proper attention to 
the advice of wise master-builders, those who have 
sufficient judgment and experience to justify you in 
relying upon their skill. And having engaged in 
the noble work of building up for yourself a good 
moral character, let nothing discourage you. You 
may, and doubtless will, find many difficulties in 
your way. A great deal of rubbish will have to 
be removed, which will require some little time 
and patience, and, consequently, you may not 
make as rapid progress as you could desire, but 
labor on, and, in due time, the beautiful edifice 
will be complete ; its domes and spires will glitter 
in the sunbeams, as they point to a more exalted 
station in life, and will be justly admired by every 
beholder. 

But, after all, the inquiry comes up from every 
young man who feels interested in this matter, 
(and, surely, every young man will feel deeply 
interested as to his character and standing in 
society), "What is a good character? I see its 
importance ; I am willing to make any reasonable 
sacrifice that I may obtain it, but of what does it 
consist? What are its chief elements or mere- 



FOEMATION OF A GOOD CHAEACTEE. 175 

clients ? What are the principal materials to be 
used in the construction of a good moral char- 
acter ? 

We answer, in the first place, that moral hon- 
esty is one of the principal elements of a good 
character. 

~No man can be dishonest, and at the same time 
be looked upon as a reliable man, and as one who 
maintains a good character. That we may stand 
high in good society, we must be honest, not only 
in our general conduct, in our business transac- 
tions, and in our dealings with other men, but 
we must be honest with ourselves. The senti- 
ments of the heart ; our plans, our aims, and our 
purposes must all be the offspring of the honest 
principles by which we are governed. For if we 
entertain dishonest principles in our hearts, they 
will manifest themselves in our lives. Their in- 
fluence will be seen in our words and actions, in 
our general deportment among men, and in all 
our associations with men of prudence and dis- 
cernment. 

How often are young men grossly mistaken 
just at this point? Many of them entertain the 
idea, that they may be governed by a set of dis- 
honest principles, that they can be actuated by 
dishonest motives, that they can secure desirable 
ends in the use of dishonest means ; and the com- 
munity in which they live will never discover 
their dishonesty in any of their movements or ar- 
rangements. Many have tried their fortune in 



176 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

this way, and nearly, if not quite as many, have 
been detected in their dishonesty, and all their 
plans and arrangements broken up. And more 
than this; in attempting to impose upon their 
fellow-beings, and deprive them of their rights, 
they have forfeited their character and standing 
in society, and stand disgraced by their own mis- 
conduct, in the eyes of all honest and good men. 
There is a maxim that is quite current through- 
out this country, and is familiar to the minds of 
the young as well as the old. It is as follows : 
" Honesty is the best policy." Now, while we 
are ready to admit the truth of this declaration, 
and think it would be well for all young men to 
remember it, we think the sentence would be 
deprived of none of its beauty, and at the same 
time, would set forth honesty, as a principle by 
which we should be governed, in a more forcible 
light, by substituting the word only for the word 
" best/' as used in the sentence, which would 
make the sentence read thus: "Honesty is the 
only policy." This, we think, is more in accord- 
ance with the principles of sound moral philoso- 
phy, and to make it read otherwise, would not 
be consistent with such principles. To attach any 
other meaning to this maxim, it would imply that 
there is other policy which, though not so good 
as a means of securing any desirable end in life, 
might be pursued without material injury to our 
character, or any plan that we may have adopted 
to secure our welfare or happiness. 






FORMATION OF A GOOD CHARACTER. 177 

"We are fully of the opinion, that no man can 
pursue a dishonest course, whether it be to secure 
a good name, wealth, honor, or worldly fame, 
without realizing, before he has pursued this 
course very far, that he is traveling the wrong 
road. His plans may all seem to work well for a 
while. He may, in some instances, gain the object 
which he had in view. He may have succeeded 
in making the impression, that he is honest and 
correct in all his dealings with others, and that 
he would take no undue advantage of them. But 
ere long you will find, if you will closely observe, 
that he is gloomy, discontented and unhappy. 
His reflections are something like the following : 
" Others think that I am honest, but I know that 
I am dishonest. Others think that I am a man 
of sound moral principles, and have a good char- 
acter, but I know that I have frequently violated 
these principles. And if my real character was 
understood, I should be despised by all honest 
men." And now, he is prepared to realize the 
force of the maxim, to which, allusion has already 
been made, " Honesty is the only policy." 

If, then, as a young man, you wish to build up 
a good moral character, be honest. Let nothing 
tempt you to stoop to a dishonest act, or to use 
any unlawful means by which to succeed in life. 
Be honest in small matters, as well as in those of 
more importance. For if you take one dishonest 
step, it will open the waj r for another. Hence 
you should be guarded at every point. Many in- 



178 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

ducements and strong temptations will be pre- 
sented to your minds, to lead you from the path 
which alone can conduct you to an honorable po- 
sition in society, but remember, every time you 
are thus tempted, that honesty is one of the prin- 
cipal materials to be used in the construction of 
a good character. 

Another important element of a good character, 
is integrity. "Which is, as defined by a standard 
author, moral soundness, honesty, purity. And, 
according to the views of a distinguished writer, 
signifies incorruptibility, soundness of heart, up- 
rightness. 

In other words, it is that principle which prompts 
us at all times to do our duty. To do what we 
feel and know to be right. To do so irrespective 
of the example and opinions of others ; irrespect- 
ive of surrounding circumstances, be they what 
they may. There is no trait of character more 
to be admired, or that will be of more service to 
us in the accomplishment of the great ends of 
life. In fact, it will be impossible for us, without 
this, to occupy a very prominent position among 
those who belong to the better classes of society. 

It is frequently the case with young men, that 
although they are satisfied as to the importance 
of moral integrity as an element of genuine char- 
acter, as a principle of moral philosophy from 
which they should never deviate, they find, in 
view of their associations in life, that it is very 
difficult to carry it out in their practice. In at- 



FOKMATION OF A GOOD CHAKACTEK. 179 

tempting to do so, they will sometimes subject 
themselves to the scorn and ridicule of others, 
bring upon themselves the hatred of the rich and 
powerful, and will often find themselves with a 
small minority. If there was but little danger of 
our turning aside from the path of uprightness, 
there would be comparatively, but little necessity 
of guarding this point so closely. But the fact, 
that the moral integrity of the young man is more 
frequently and strongly attacked than any other 
moral principle that he may wish to maintain, 
goes to show how important it is for him to for- 
tify himself, especially at this point. 

A good general will always guard well the 
point from which the most danger is to be ex- 
pected. And all young men, in this matter, should 
act upon the same principle. Let them maintain 
their integrity, though the rich, the influential, 
and the powerful persuade them to pursue a dif- 
ferent course. For it will be of more real value to 
them than gold or silver, or the most costly pearls. 

The conduct of the Rev. Richard Watson, a 
minister of the Gospel, in England, and his reply 
to the king upon a certain occasion, furnishes a 
good illustration of this virtue. 

Mr. Watson commenced preaching the Gospel 
of Christ at the age of fifteen, or early in his 
sixteenth year. Devoting himself closely to his 
studies, he soon distinguished himself as a writer, 
as well as a powerful and eloquent speaker. A 
few years after he commenced his labors as a 



180 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

minister, he wrote a pamphlet in which he ably 
advocated and defended the doctrines of the eter- 
nal sonship and divinity of Jesus Christ. The 
king going one day to the office of his secretary, 
found him busily engaged, reading this pamphlet, 
but ceased as soon as the king came in, who re- 
quested him, soon as he learned w^hat he was 
reading, to read on. Having read a few pages he 
again ceased to read, but was requested again 
by the king to read on, and after listening until 
his secretary had read most of the pamphlet, he 
inquired for the name of the author, and was told 
that it was Richard Watson. The king then said 
to his secretary, without explanation, "summons 
Mr. Watson to appear before me on to-morrow 
morning." 

Receiving this summons, Mr. Watson was very 
much surprised; but said, in the true spirit of 
submission, " I must obey the king." Having 
obeyed the summons, the king asked him if he 
was the author of the pamphlet referred to above. 
He answered that he was. To what church do 
you belong, inquired the king. To the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, said Mr. Watson. Then said 
the king, "I wish you to join the established 
Church. Said Mr. Watson, I am satisfied with 
my church relationship, and wish to make no 
change. The king then oifered him a large sal- 
ary, and one of the best appointments in the city 
of London, to induce him to comply with his re- 
quest, and still he refused. 



FOEMATIOX OF A GOOD CHAEACTEE. 181 

Here you see the nature and the beauty of in- 
tegrity. Mr. "Watson honestly believed in the 
doctrines and usages of the M. E. C. And felt 
that to join the Church of England, would be to 
sacrifice principles that he believed to be right. 
This he refused to do. Though a poor man, hav- 
ing a family to support, he would not do violence " 
to his conscience for the sake of wealth, honor, 
or the favor of the king. 

This is an example of integrity worthy to be 
imitated by all. The king seeing that Mr. Wat- 
son was a man of strict integrity, that he would 
not yield to any thing contrary to his convictions 
of right, gave to each of his children a sufficient 
amount of money to render them comfortable 
during their lives. 

Young men are sometimes so situated, that they 
are ashamed or afraid to avow their sentiments, 
fearing that they are not popular, and that they 
will, thereby, lose public favor and patronage. 
But, whoever shrinks from an avowal of senti- 
ments and principles which he honestly believes 
to be right, that he may gain the favor of others 
and their patronage in business, or to secure the 
friendship of the great and influential, will soon 
find from sad experience, that he is pursuing the 
wrong course. The merchant, the physician, the 
jurist, and the politician sometimes bend from 
principles to gain popular favor; but in every in- 
stance that we have yet noticed, instead of gain- 
ing, they have lost popular favor, and, at the 



182 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

same time rendered themselves very unpopular. 
It is generally supposed, in fact, that if a man 
will swerve from his principles in one instance, he 
might be induced to do so in others. 

A young man, after mature deliberation, hav- 
ing resolved to pursue a certain course, from hon- 
est conviction that it is right, should never deviate 
from such a course under any circumstances, un- 
less he is fully convinced afterward that he is 
wrong. And especially should he not do so 
merely to suit the whims or fancy of others. As 
an illustration of this principle, you believe it to 
be wrong to play cards, to go to the theater, or 
to any place of public amusement calculated to 
injure the morals of young men. Your belief 
is founded on evidence sufficiently strong to sat- 
isfy your mind that you are right. 

But now you meet with an old acquaintance or 
associate who urges you to take a social game, or 
to go with him to the theater; and you frankly 
. tell him that you believe these things to be wrong, 
and you can not do so consistently with your feel- 
ings and convictions in regard to them. Now, if 
you yield to his persuasions, you do violence to 
your own conscience, lose confidence in your own 
firmness and integrity, and take one step toward 
ruin, so far as your moral character is concerned. 

Let me urge the young reader, then, if he 
wishes to build up for himself a good moral char- 
acter, to cultivate, industriously, the virtue of in- 
tegrity in small matters as well as in the most 



FOEMATION OF A GOOD CHAEACTEE. 183 

important business transactions of his life. Con- 
vince those with whom you associate, that you 
act from principle in all that you do, and not from 
the mere impulse of the moment. That you are 
actuated by high and honorable motives in all 
your movements and associations in life. And 
soon will your conduct be admired as far as you 
are known. 

But before we close our remarks upon this 
subject, it may not be out of place to state, that 
in the formation of a good character, much de- 
pends upon the disposition that we manifest to- 
ward our fellow-beings, and especially toward 
our inferiors. 

It is highly important, then, that a young man 
should possess an amiable and forgiving disposi- 
tion. A man may be honest and upright in all 
his dealings, in his general conduct, and in the 
motives by which he is actuated, and yet he may 
be so disagreeable in his manners, and resentful 
in his feelings, that no one can love or admire 
him. We have seen many instances of this kind. 
"We should cultivate with great care a disposition 
to please others. Not by a sacrifice of our prin- 
ciples by any means, or by yielding to that which 
is wrong, but by a constant regard to the feelings 
and rights of others. It is this amiable disposi- 
tion that prompts us to render to all their due. 
This is the foundation of that honor and esteem 
that we owe to superiors in rank, or intellectual 
abilities, and of that quiet submission to our lot 



184 LECTURES TO YOUNG ME1ST. 

among men, and to the rules and regulations of 
good society. 

It is also important that a young man should 
be of a forgiving disposition. For, if he resents 
every little injury, and pursues his enemies with 
feelings of revenge, it will be almost impossible 
for him ever to take a very prominent stand 
among men. "If indeed, power and esteem are 
the principal objects of human attention, the 
highest power over the minds of men, and their 
most perfect esteem, are oftentimes obtained by 
a forgiving, rather than a resenting disposition; 
an enemy won over by kindness is always the 
most durable friend. There is nothing excites 
greater gratitude than forbearance ; when resent- 
ment would have been justifiable; nothing that 
secures so forcibly our admiration, as to perceive 
that any man is so much the master of his own 
nature; like the apostle in the ship, when we see 
him rising up and rebuking the winds and waves 
of the mind, we are beyond measure amazed, and 
a,sk what manner of man may this be who can 
command his own soul, and whom the passions 
and angers obey/ 5 

The idea prevails, in the minds of many young 
men, that they are bound, in order to maintain 
their character and standing, to resent every in- 
jury which they may receive, however trivial it 
may be. But among our greatest and wisest phi- 
losophers, it is clearly decided to be more noble 
and honorable to forgive an individual who has 



FORMATION OF A GOOD CHARACTER. 185 

offended us, especially if lie repents, than to act 
upon the principle set forth in the following lan- 
guage : " I will pursue, I will overtake ; my right 
hand shall dash in pieces mine enemy/' And we 
have still higher authority for saying "forgive 
and ye shall be forgiven." 

In the formation of character, a young man 
should pay special attention to several other prin- 
ciples and rules of action, that we can not conve- 
niently notice in this lecture. Such, for instance, 
as justice, morality, adherence to truth, submis- 
sion to the laws of the country, and the like. 
These we may notice, or at least some of them, in 
the succeeding lecture. 

In the construction of a character, you should 
remember that you will meet with a great many 
obstacles. You may understand the principles 
by which you should be governed, feel their influ- 
ence upon your mind, and appreciate the noble 
ends to which they lead; but innumerable diffi- 
culties stand in the way of their attainment. 
Temptations will steal around you from time to 
time, and exert a powerful influence upon your 
mind. While all men may and should be honest, 
it is a very easy matter for them to be otherwise. 
And when they once become dishonest, it seems 
to afford them pleasure to induce all others to be- 
come so, if they can possibly reach them by their 
influence. You must guard at this point espe- 
cially. Such men will promise you wealth, secu- 
rity against danger, and worldly pleasure, to induce 
16 



186 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

yon to join with, them in their dishonest and dis- 
graceful deeds, and your only security against the 
influence of such temptations and inducements, is 
to have the mind well fortified with the principles 
of honesty and integrity, and with every other 
virtue that beautifies and adorns the character. 

Let the young reader reflect for a moment 
upon the condition of that individual who is des- 
titute of moral honesty and integrity. How low 
and degraded his condition; how wretched his 
feelings! No one has confidence in him, and he 
has none whatever in himself. The consequence 
is, he is doomed to a life of degradation and mis- 
ery. See him as his countenance falls, and his 
courage sinks within him, while he is momenta- 
rily in the presence of men of honorable stand- 
ing. See how he shrinks from human observa- 
tion. His appearance and all his movements 
indicate that he is wrong at lieart, and that his 
principles and motives are dishonest. 

Remember that your destiny, as to character 
and standing, is in your own hands. It is with 
you to pursue a low and dishonorable course in 
life, and to occupy a degraded position among 
men, or to be governed by those noble and lofty 
sentiments that will secure to you an elevated 
position among the great, the wise, and the mighty 
of the earth. 

Bear in mind also, that while you are forming 
a character among men, that that character will 
have a direct bearing upon your condition in an- 



FORMATION OF A GOOD CHAKACTER. 187 

other state of existence. You may stand high 
among men, have their confidence as a man of 
integrity, and yet be destitute of those principles 
and qualifications by which alone you can be en- 
abled to stand before "the King of kings and 
Lord of lords," in the great day of accounts. 
While society presents its claims for your consid- 
eration, and holds out strong inducements to a 
life of virtue and uprightness; the just claims of 
your Creator are to be met, his laws are to be 
obeyed, and his requisitions are to be complied 
with, before you are prepared for the society of 
the pure and the blest around his throne. Seek 
earnestly for a character without a blemish, strive, 
by your influence and example, to elevate the 
standard of moral virtue, and your conduct will 
meet with the approbation of your fellow-beings, 
and your reward shall be sure. 



LECTTJEE IX. 

SUCCESS IN LIFE. 

How various are the views of men in reference 
to life, and especially in regard to success in life. 
Some men seem to look upon life as an insignifi- 
cant, fleeting, uncertain something, and suppose 
that they can disregard its peculiar claims with 
impunity. Many are to be found, who, from in- 
correct views of life, or from having taken some 
misguided steps in their younger days, which 
have caused them to lose confidence in themselves 
and in their fellow-beings, seem to regard it as a 
matter of small importance, and act as if they 
felt themselves under no obligations to conduct 
themselves in such a manner that its greatest 
ends might be accomplished by and through 
them. 

We have seen men who seemed to despise life, 
with all its blessings as well as its evils. But we 
have seen, at the same time, that such men were 
useless appendages to society, and were miserable 
beyond description. Now we admit that some 
things in life are insignificant, but when the 
whole of life is viewed in this light, such a theory 
is radically false. If a young man adopts this 
theory, he is very apt to close his eyes against all 
that is beautiful in nature, and sublime in philos- 
(188) 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 189 

ophy; and will soon find himself on a level with 
that which is little and low in the estimation of 
all who take a more reasonable and comprehen- 
sive view of things. But if he appreciates life as 
he should, as an important gift from heaven, and 
feels that it is a glorious thing to live, he can 
then view it in its proper light from the cradle to 
the grave. He may then be prepared, in due 
time, to act his part among men, and thus accom- 
plish the great ends of his present existence. 

But men differ widely in their views of success 
in life, also. Every man has some particular 
theory in this respect. Question that youth a 
short time, and you will soon perceive that the 
future has been looming up before his mind, pre- 
senting to his imagination glowing pictures of 
wealth, pleasure, or distinction among men, and 
his plans, for securing some or all these, are dis- 
tinctly marked out, and he is sanguine of success. 

But if you will propound the same questions to 
another, you will find that his views of the future, 
and his plans and aims are altogether different. 

One views success in life as being nothing more 
nor less than gaining that point, where, uncon- 
trolled by parental restraint or any other influ- 
ence, he can enjoy the pleasures of the world to 
the fullest extent, where he can give a loose rein 
to his passions, and gratify the most vitiated ap- 
petites and propensities. Another limits it to 
making money, securing a vast amount of wealth, 
so that he may live in splendor, make a great 



190 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

show in the world, have every thing to his own 
liking, and be independent of all men. This is 
his highest conception of success in life, and in all 
his movements, this is the object that he has in 
view. He thinks but little of honesty, of justice, 
of integrity, of moral character: wealth is his aim, 
and, right or wrong, he intends to succeed. 

A third limits success in life to the execution 
of some favorite scheme of ambition. Success, 
with him, is to gain distinction among men on 
account of his boldness in times of imminent 
danger, or the performance of some noble deed, 
the execution of which requires more than ordi- 
nary skill and courage. He longs for the time to 
come, when, at the point of the bayonet or the 
mouth of the cannon, he can display his valor, 
and thus gain the plaudits of his fellow-beings. 
We might here set forth various other false 
notions of success in life, but we think it un- 
necessary. 

It may be remarked here, that more correct 
views of success in life can not be expected of 
many of the young men of this country, under 
existing circumstances. Wrong impressions are 
made upon their minds, in the first place, by their 
parents. By them they are taught, not only to 
follow, but to keep up with the fashions of the 
age, without regard to the results which may 
follow. The books which they read, the influences 
brought to bear upon their minds, and the ex- 
ample of those who have more experience in the 



success m LIFE. 191 

world than they have, are all calculated to estab- 
lish, more fully, those false ideas of success in life 
which lead so many astray. 

Young persons should be taught that success 
in life " consists in being what we ought to be ; 
in doing what we ought to do ; in attaining what 
we ought to attain ; in making life what our 
Creator designed it to be made. We have a 
physical existence to support, and hence success 
involves this duty. We have minds to develop, 
hearts to purify, moral and social relations to 
sustain; and, consequently, success is connected 
with the discharge of these obligations. It looks 
to the use of every thing that nature, provi- 
dence and religion supply for the growth and 
perfection of a wise, just, generous, noble Chris- 
tian manhood ; a manhood that shall be competent 
to all its offices, and adorn them with the luster 
of its own transcendent beauty." 

How few young men keep these great objects 
before their minds, while they begin and follow 
the various avocations of life. " If indeed," says 
the author just quoted, " this is the true idea of 
success in life, it is not necessary to show that 
the great majority of men have an exceedingly 
low and imperfect conception of its nature and 
end/' 

It is very important that a young man, in 
taking a start in life, should feel that it is a 
reality; that he not only has something to do, 
but that he is responsible for the manner in 



192 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

which that something is done ; and that while he 
is attending to the various duties and callings of 
life, he is exerting a good or a bad influence in 
society. Many are to be found, who, notwith- 
standing they are pursuing a course that is de- 
cidedly wrong, suppose that they are not respon- 
sible for the injury they inflict upon others, but 
for that only which they bring upon themselves. 
But they could hardly make a greater mistake, 
or one that is more fatal in its tendency. And 
those who look upon the great objects to be 
accomplished in life as consisting of pleasure, 
wealth, or the gratification of worldly ambition, 
are very apt to pursue a course that is injurious 
to themselves, and will, to a greater or less extent, 
affect the condition of all who allow themselves 
to be influenced by their example. 

We remark here, that it is well for young men, 
in the great business of life, to guard against all 
extremes in its various pursuits. Some, after 
they have laid their plans for future success as to 
temporal matters, seem to forget every thing else. 
Believing that they are honest in their intentions, 
that in carrying out their plans they infringe upon 
no man's rights, they bend all their energies into 
one channel, and think of nothing else but of gain- 
ing the object of their pursuit, be that what it may, 
Christianity may present its claims, but they have 
no time to attend to them. This and the other 
scheme of benevolence may be laid before their 
minds, for their consideration and action, but they 



success m LIFE. 193 

are disregarded by them. Different plans for the 
moral improvement of society may be suggested 
to them, but however reasonable they may be, or 
however effectual they might be in the accom- 
plishment of good, they will pass them by alto- 
gether unnoticed. They seem to be blind to 
every other interest, and deaf to every other 
call. They have but one rule, and that is, to 
bend every thing into the channel which leads 
directly to the object of their aim. 

" On the other hand, there are individuals of 
virtue and excellence who embrace only the moral 
and religious aspect of character and conduct in 
their scheme of human existence. If the precepts 
of a Divine morality, as taught by Jesus Christ, 
are practiced, it matters not what are their earthly 
circumstances." There are persons of this descrip- 
tion to be found in all communities. They seem 
to pay but little or no attention to any thing of 
an earthly character, but occupy their minds 
exclusively about that which is spiritual in its 
nature. Well, one of these extremes, so far as 
the individual himself is concerned, is nearly as 
bad as the other, although the latter may not be 
so bad in its practical tendency. Man has a body 
as well as a soul, and it is proper that he should 
attend to the interests of both. To neglect the 
body may not be quite so bad a crime as to ne- 
glect the soul, but we should make it a point to 
neglect neither. Besides this, by paying no atten- 
tion to temporal matters, we shall evidently be 
17 



194 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

unprepared to render much assistance to the cause 
of benevolence or humanity in the world, and 
thereby fail to obey the precepts which we so 
much admire. A young man should weigh these 
matters candidly and honestly, and, after mature 
deliberation, should pursue a course that will meet 
the claims against him in both respects. And 
while he gives to business transactions a reason- 
able share of his attention, he should never let 
them encroach upon his religious duties, or prevent 
him from watching, with deep interest, every thing 
that bears upon his moral or religious character. 

With but few exceptions, all young men look 
to the development of the future for the realiza- 
tion of the objects which they most desire. But 
we may discover, among them, some disagreement 
as to that which is most desirable, and as to the 
means of obtaining it. No one man could point 
out, in detail, a course to be pursued in life in 
order to success, that would suit the fancy, or be 
well adapted to the case of every young person, 
for all have their peculiar notions ; and to follow 
any particularly specified course would be, in the 
estimation of many of them, to vary from some 
cherished rule of action, which would ruin all 
their prospects. Whatever may be the peculiar 
notions of a young man, however, he should never 
be satisfied until he has some definite plan devised 
for himself which he believes, if successfully 
carried out, will secure to him the greatest amount 
of good. 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 195 

But while he invents, plans, and labors, and 
while he struggles against rivalry, deceit, and 
oppression, the most important inquiry of all is, 
what should be the great object of his aim? 
What is it for which he should strive ? At what 
point, in his history, may he conclude that he 
has been successful in life ? We answer, that he 
should aim to secure a sufficiency of the things 
of this world to supply his material and social 
wants ; and a sufficiency of intellectual knowledge 
and information to give him a dignified position 
in society, and to qualify him for usefulness 
among his fellow-beings. "We add here, though 
it does not properly come within the range of 
this lecture, that his moral growth and improve- 
ment is connected with success in life, and should 
not be overlooked. He should remember that 
real and substantial happiness can only be secured 
by a life of virtue and religion. 

Having made these general remarks, we notice 
more especially the course to be pursued, in order 
to success in life. 

And in the first place, we remark that success 
in life depends, to a considerable extent, upon the 
selection of some honorable business. 

The idea prevails among many at the present 
period, that makes but little difference as to the 
kind of business in which we engage, so we con- 
duct that business honestly, and it supplies our 
temporal wants. But this is a great mistake. 
And hundreds are now to be found, who, if their 



196 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

real sentiments were known, attribute their ill 
success in life, to having engaged in some busi- 
ness in early life that was inconsistent with the 
rules of morality. This is so evident, that it 
scarcely needs an argument, or an illustration to 
make it more plain. For if a man engages in a 
dishonorable business, it brings him in contact 
with dishonorable men. And to associate with 
such men, is not only dangerous but ruinous. 

Look, for instance, at the theatrical performer, 
the professional gambler, or those who have made 
it their business to deal out intoxicating liquors. 
Their associations are such, that it is almost im- 
possible for them to make any improvement in a 
moral point of view. For they have compara- 
tively, no time for reflection, no time for those 
serious thoughts, without which no man can lead 
a life of virtue. The result is, he forgets his re- 
sponsibility, not only to his Creator, but to soci- 
ety. And now he begins, step by step, to deviate 
from the path of uprightness and honesty, to 
adopt sentiments which are radically wrong ; soon 
resorts to the use of unlawful means to secure the 
end they have in view, and finally bring upon 
themselves disgrace and ruin. 

If a young man does succeed well in life, he 
ought to have the consoling reflection that he has 
done so upon honorable principles. For if he 
succeeds upon any other principle, he can not en- 
joy the fruits of his labors. Did you ever see an 
individual who had spent the prime of his life in 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 197 

gambling, or some other unlawful business, who 
seemed to be happy in his old age? Never. 
True, such an one may live in a splendid palace, 
richly furnished, and may have all the conveni- 
ences of life around him ; but at the same time, 
his appearance indicates a discontented state of 
mind, and demonstrates that honest poverty is 
much better than unjust wealth. 

On the other hand, to engage in a business 
which is in exact keeping with just and honorable 
principles, will secure for us the attention, favor, 
and associations of the best classes of society. 
And this, of itself, will strengthen our purposes 
to do that which is lawful and right. Let a man 
be conscious that his sentiments, feelings and ac- 
tions all point in the right direction, and let him, 
at the same time, have a strong desire to avoid 
that which he conceives to be wrong, and he will 
soon find that his course is universally admired. 
And to be admired by our fellow-beings on ac- 
count of our integrity in business transactions, 
and to feel that we are honored because we are 
just, stimulates us to go forward in the path of 
duty. And this is the only true road to success 
in life, to permanent happiness. 

"We are familiar with the case of a young man, 
which will serve as an illustration of the point 
now under consideration. He was brought up by 
pious parents, immediately in the neighborhood 
where we were raised. When quite young, he 
professed religion and joined the church, of which 



198 LECTUEES TO YOUJNTG MEN. 

lie was a very consistent member for several years. 
We have no doubt but he was sincere in his pre- 
tensions. All who knew him seemed to have the 
utmost confidence in his integrity and piety. He 
was, also, industrious and economical, and was 
unusually active and sprightly in business. He 
was a young man of more than ordinary talents, 
strictly moral, and seemed, in feeling and practice, 
to be directly opposed to those little vices, as they 
are denominated, in which young persons are so 
apt to indulge. But the period finally arrived 
when he must commence business for himself, 
when he was to be thrown upon his own re- 
sources, and depend upon his own efforts as a 
means of getting along in the world. 

Unfortunately for that young man, he engaged 
in the liquor traffic. His friends were surprised, 
and one after another warned him of his danger, 
and insisted on his changing his business. He 
told thern that there was no danger, that he in- 
tended to conduct the business in which he was 
engaged, honestly, and he thought he could do so 
without injury to himself in any way, and was 
disposed to risk the consequences. He still at- 
tended church, went to Sabbath school, and seemed 
to maintain his position in the community as an 
honorable young man. But his business soon led 
him to associate with men, many of whom were 
without moral principles, had no regard for reli- 
gion, no regard for the welfare of the young men 
of their country. In a short time it was to be seen 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 199 

that this young man had undergone a great change, 
as to sentiments, feelings, and actions. He was 
now very seldom seen at church, scarcely ever at 
Sabbath school ; but might be seen, on the Sabbath 
day, dealing out strong drink to him that was 
athirst for such stufi', or engaged in some thing 
else, which was equally demoralizing in its ten- 
dency. 

But what are the facts in relation to that young 
man at present ? We answer, that he is almost a 
confirmed drunkard, a gambler, and a profane 
swearer; and the young reader can imagine the 
rest. Well, is it not evident to every reflective 
mind, that if this young man had engaged in some 
other business, that he would still be the same re- 
spectable, influential citizen that he once was? 
Here, then, we see the necessity of engaging in 
honorable business, if we would be successful in 
life according to the true import of that phrase. 
It may be truly said, in one sense of the word, 
that the man makes the business. But it is equally 
true, in another sense, that the business makes 
the man. Be careful, then, as to the kind of busi- 
ness in which you engage. Look not only to the 
profits of business, but to its tendency in a moral 
point of view. And remember that you had much 
better work by the day at some honorable em- 
ployment, than to be in the most lucrative busi- 
ness in the world, which will necessarily lead you 
to do violence to your own conscience. 

Again, we observe that a general knowledge of 



200 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

business is very essential as a means of success in 
life. 

We should have a thorough knowledge of 
the general principles of business, as well as of 
its " petty details." And especially of that branch 
of business in which we are engaged. And we 
should look well, also, to those circumstances and 
other causes which produce its steadiness or its 
changes. Much depends upon our having suffi- 
cient information in regard to it, to enable us to 
guard every point from which danger is to be ex- 
pected. Many individuals are unfortunate from 
the fact, that they are unable to see clearly the 
influences which are operating against them, when, 
if they would inform themselves, and guard against 
those influences, they would get along smoothly, 
and do well. There are various points in all kinds 
of business, which should be studied until they are 
well understood. 

It stands every business man in hand to inquire, 
how can I open up a communication between 
myself and the world? How can I secure their 
patronage? In what way can I obtain custom 
without false inducements, and retain it for mutual 
profits? We should investigate these points until 
we have mastered them. We should never rest 
satisfied until we have gone to the bottom of these 
things. And then we shall be prepared to trans- 
act business with a degree of intelligence that 
will be creditable to ourselves, and to the satis- 
faction of all with whom we are associated. 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 201 

It is said by one, "that superficial knowledge 
is always dangerous, but in trade and commerce 
it is a positive evil." And if we will but look at 
the strange methods adopted by some men to 
carry on their regular business, we can not fail to 
perceive the truth of this declaration. Some men 
seem to suppose that their business is disconnected 
with every other trade or profession, and, there- 
fore, pay no attention to any other department of 
business, except that to which theirs properly be- 
longs. The result is, their operations are limited 
to a very small compass; when, really, one branch 
of business is necessarily connected with many 
others. And in many instances so intimately, 
that one can not be successfully carried on without 
the other. Hence, we say, that every man, if pos- 
sible, should have a general knowledge of the va- 
rious kinds of business followed by different 
men, that he may know how to act in harmony 
with others, and mutually promote each other's 
interest. 

We know it may be said, that if a young man 
attends well to one branch of business, trade, or 
profession, and makes himself thoroughly ac- 
quainted with it, that he will be kept busy enough. 
But this is all a mistake. And one, too, which 
is fatal to the interests of hundreds of young men. 
Now, we have virtually admitted that we should 
first become practically acquainted with the tech- 
nicalities and peculiar changes of our own branch 
of business. But we should go further than this, 



202 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

and, as far as possible, become acquainted with 
every other kind of business which comes within 
our range. We may see after awhile, that it 
would be better to change our business, and en- 
gage in something else. And if we have trained 
our minds to run in one channel only, we will find 
it difficult to bring it into active exercise in any 
other capacity. 

Then again, "every now and then the world 
changes front; new interests take the lead; inno- 
vations change the surface of things. You must, 
therefore, watch the course of civilization, and go 
with it. Be a practical observer of that ever- 
varying scene, human life; and while you adhere 
to fixed principles and great ends, keep yourself 
alive to the art of consistent and effective adapta- 
tion. Have no fancies and crotchets. JSTever 
overstate arguments to yourself, and be suspicious 
of much logic." * * . * "Another thing ought 
to be weighed; no thoughtful person would wish 
that his business should outgrow him, and yet 
numerous instances have we known of men pros- 
pering faster than they acquired intelligence and 
skill to manage a widening field. There is a cer- 
tain work for the mind in every sphere of life, 
which time alone can do. It can not be antici- 
pated. Our observation, reading, study of to-day 
may lie dormant within the brain .for years — not 
dead, however — but slowly germinating for a plen- 
tiful harvest. This is especially true of business. 
Its most valuable wisdom, founded in experience, 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 203 

is a slow growth; and every one should be wil- 
ling to wait that maturity before he indulges his 
ambition and enterprise for a great business." 

But again, decision of mind, and fixedness of 
purpose are important as a means of success in 
life. 

Having engaged in some kind of business, or 
commenced studying, with the design of practic- 
ing law or medicine, or with the intention of be- 
coming a politician or statesman ; or of becoming 
an artist or mechanic, be steady in your purpose. 
Unless some insurmountable difficulty rises up 
before you, and you are thoroughly convinced, by 
positive evidence, that you are pursuing the wrong 
course, persevere, and be determined to succeed. 
Thousands, for want of firmness and steadfastness 
in business, have failed of success. Show me a 
young man who, in all the fluctuations of busi- 
ness, is firm in his purpose, who continues to per- 
severe under the most discouraging circumstances, 
and, nine times out of ten, we will show you one 
who will gain the point at which he aims. While, 
on the other hand, a young man who is all energy 
to-day, and seems flushed with the idea of success, 
and on to-morrow seems depressed in spirits, and 
is ready to change his business and engage in 
something else, we may take it for granted that 
he will never do much for himself, or any one 
else. 

To see the importance of decision of mind, and 
of perseverance in what you undertake, look for 



204 LECTTJKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

a moment at the case of Demosthenes, the most 
renowned of all the ancient orators. In his first 
public speech he was hissed at by the whole au- 
dience. He withdrew from the crowd with his 
head hung down in great confusion. He had an 
impediment in his speech which prevented him 
from speaking with that fluency that was neces- 
sary to attract the attention of the people. He 
was met by a friend, however, who assured him 
that the difficulty in the way might be overcome 
if he would apply himself closely to study, with 
a determination to be successful. His friend, an 
excellent orator of those times, gave him a great 
deal of instruction that was appropriate to his 
case; and Demosthenes then determined to make 
of himself a great orator. To get clear of the 
impediment in his speech, he put small pebbles 
into his mouth, and would pronounce several 
verses in that manner without interruption. 

It is said, too, that "he went also to the sea-side, 
and while the waves were in the most violent 
agitation, he pronounced harangues, to accustom 
himself, by the confused noise of the waters, to 
the roar of the people, and the tumultuous cries 
of public assemblies." 

The same historian tells us, that "his pains 
were well bestowed; for it was by these means 
that he carried the art of declaiming to the high- 
est degree of perfection of which it was capable/ 5 

As a further illustration of this point, let us 
suppose that a young man begins the study of 



success m LIFE. 205 

law, with the intention of becoming a jurist; and 
after making considerable progress that way, 
changes his notion, and resolves to qualify him- 
self for the practice of medicine. And now that 
he is qualified, and has commenced this business, 
let us suppose that he becomes dissatisfied, and 
resolves on being a farmer, and with this inten- 
tion, abandons the practice of medicine. Can 
it be expected that this young man will succeed? 
All must see that it is very probable that he will 
fail in every thing that he undertakes. 

Now, we would not be understood here as say- 
ing, that a man should never change his business 
or his plan of operation. There are times in 
which this may be done, to great advantage, as 
has been already intimated. If the business, trade, 
or profession in which we are engaged, ceases to 
be of importance, owing to some revolution in 
trade or commerce, in the community in which 
we live, wisdom and sound judgment would dic- 
tate that we should, to a certain extent, be gov- 
erned by such circumstances. But great caution 
is necessary at such times. And such changes 
should be made after mature deliberation, uad 
with an eye to the influence that it may have 
upon our moral and intellectual improvement. 



LECTURE X. 

SUCCESS IN LIFE. — CONTINUED. 

"We notice, in the next place, that to succeed 
in life, we must adhere strictly to truth, and guard 
well against falsehood upon the part of others. 

" Upon truth rests all human knowledge ; to 
truth man is indebted for the hourly preservation 
of his life, and for a perpetual guide to his ac- 
tions. Without truth the affairs of the world 
could no longer exist, as they now are, than they 
could if any of the great physical laws of the 
universe were suspended. As truth is of indis- 
pensible necessity in the great concerns of the 
world, it is also of immense importance, as it re- 
lates to the common and daily intercourse of life. 
Falsehood must have a direct and powerful tend- 
ency to disturb the order of human affairs, and 
to introduce into the bosom of society every gra- 
dation and variety of mischief." 

If you would see how improbable it is that a 
notorious liar will succeed in any kind of busi- 
ness, look what a low estimate is put upon the 
degraded wretch by those who are acquainted with 
him. His friends, if he has any, are afraid of him, 
and keep at the utmost distance from him. He 
can no longer get them to believe any thing that 
he says. But he is heard in contemptuous silence, 
(206) 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 207 

and treated, as he should be, as a man upon whom 
no one can rely. The people, as might be ex- 
pected, shrink from and abhor him as though he 
was a monster not fit to live among men. And 
he "lives to witness a gradual conspiracy against 
him of all that is good, and honorable, and wise, 
and great." 

That species of lying which is most degrading 
in its character, and the most injurious in its 
tendency, generally has its origin in a disposition 
or determination to defraud others, and, by decep- 
tion, to gain some advantage of them in the com- 
mon concerns of life. And that man who is 
guilty of this kind of falsehood, is dangerous to 
the well-being of society, and should be dreaded 
by every truthful and honest man ; for while it 
ruins the moral character of him who is guilty 
of this species of lying, and is awfully pernicious 
in its consequences, there is but little probability 
of bringing such an individual back to the path 
of truth and virtue ; and the sooner a community 
gets clear of such a pest, the better it will be for 
it. Instead, then, of upholding such a man in a 
community, and giving him an opportunity of 
getting along well in business, every man who 
has proper regard for the general happiness of 
society, will be trying to keep him from getting 
the advantage of them, by having nothing to do 
with him. 

Hundreds in every community are in the habit 
of lying in their ordinary business transactions as 



208 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

a matter of gain. They seem to have practiced 
this evil until they have no more regard for truth, 
than if it was not required of them either by God 
or man. And they will take more pains to get 
those with whom they trade to believe that which 
is false, than they will to get them to believe the 
plain truth, if that truth is, in any way, involved 
in mystery. 

And, after all, how useless a thing is lying in 
any kind of business ! A man, by falsehood, 
may get along rapidly in business for awhile, 
but, at the last, that falsehood will be the means 
of his downfall and destruction. The liar is not 
apt to go unpunished. We may, by lying, deceive 
and impose upon others for awhile, but when the 
falsehood is detected, it will do us tenfold more 
harm than the profits of lying can possibly do us 
good, besides the loss we sustain as to moral 
character and standing in society. Scarcely any 
thing of which we could be guilty would give 
others a worse opinion of us than for them to 
learn that we are in the habit of lying. While 
contemplating the condition and character of that 
individual who has come to the years of maturity, 
and who has been so unfortunate as to be looked 
upon as a notorious liar, we have thought it 
would have been much better for him if he had 
never been born, or for him to have died in the 
days of his youth. , 

A few years ago we attended the sale of a lot 1 
of dry goods, in one of the smaller towns in 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 209 

Kentucky. They were sold at auction by a mer- 
chant from one of the eastern cities. When this 
sale first commenced, each article was cried off 
at something like its true value. It soon became 
evident, however, that the gentleman, if we may 
so call him, who was disposing of the goods, was 
knowingly and positively lying about every pack- 
age which he disposed of. The purchasers soon 
became disgusted at his course, and commenced 
hissing at him to his face. He soon discovered 
that he had adopted the wrong policy ; for pack- 
age after package commenced going off at a large 
per cent, below their real value. The people 
saw and knew this, but they resolved that they 
would run no further risk of being imposed upon 
by a man who evidently intended to sell at large 
profits by positive lying. The result was, he 
packed his goods and left the town, and went to 
an eligible point in another State; but scarcely 
had he commenced operations there, before the 
report came, as upon the wings of the wind, that 
his object was to succeed, by misrepresentation, 
and he again made a failure. 

Here we see the evil consequences of falsehood 
in connection with any business transaction. If 
that young man had pursued an honorable course, 
and adhered strictly to the truth, he would have 
disposed of his goods at a fair value, and would 
have saved himself a great deal of trouble and 
expense, and, at the same time, have had an 
approving conscience. But, as it was, he disgraced 
18 



210 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

himself in the estimation of all who had formed 
an acquaintance with him. 

It was very truly said by that close observer of 
human nature, Sidney Smith, "it is almost impos- 
sible to deceive the great variety of talent, infor- 
mation, and opinion, of which the world is com- 
posed. Truth prevails, by the universal combina- 
tion of all things animate or inanimate, against 
falsehood ; for ignorance makes a gross and clumsy 
fiction ; carelessness omits some feature of a fiction 
that is ingenious; bad-fellowship in fraud betrays 
the secret; conscience bursts into atoms; the sub- 
tility of angry revenge unvails it; mere brute, un- 
conspiring matter reveals it; death lets in the 
light of truth; all things teach a wise man the 
difficulty and bad success of falsehood; and truth 
is inculcated by human policy, as well as by divine 
command/' 

All young men who may endeavor to succeed in 
life by falsehood, are sure, sooner or later, to real- 
ize the truth of what is here said. Beside this, 
you wish to occupy at least a respectable position 
in society. You wish to have the confidence of 
those with whom you are associated. But if you 
indulge in this sinful habit, you will occupy the 
most degraded position among men, and deprive 
yourself of present and eternal happiness. 

But we must not only adhere to the truth, but 
guard against misrepresentation upon the part of 
others. In view of what has been said, we need 
make but a remark or so upon this point. While 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 211 

many are to be found who, from principle or as a 
matter of policy, never say any thing at variance 
with the truth, thousands, with whom we may 
have to do, will be seeking to get the advantage 
of us, and to deprive us of our rights, by false 
statements and insinuations. A great many young 
men have been ruined, as to fortune and charac- 
ter, by having too much confidence in the verac- 
ity of others. In some respects, we may be as 
speedily ruined by relying too implicitly upon 
what is said by others, as by uttering falsehoods 
ourselves. 

When the serpent came to Eve, tempting her to 
eat of the forbidden fruit, he knew that if she 
did eat, that she would die. But he said, "thou 
shalt not surely die," "but thou shalt be as gods; 
knowing good from evil." Unfortunately for her 
and the rest of the human family, she listened to 
what he said, and acted accordingly. Well, there 
are persons, at the present day, under the influence 
of the same malignant being. And if we are not 
constantly on our guard, we shall be liable all the 
time to be misled by them. N~ow we would not 
have you to be so cautious, in this matter, as not 
to believe any thing that you hear, but we wish 
simply to impress upon your mind that there are 
men to whose influence you may be exposed, who 
expect to get along in the world in no other way 
than by deception and imposition. 

Again, to be successful in life, you must avoid 
extravagance. Scores of persons are poor and al- 



212 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

most entirely dependent on others for a support, 
who might have been in independent circum- 
stances, if they had not scattered profusely what 
they once possessed. A number of families are to 
be found, which might now live comfortably upon 
what they have heretofore wasted in gratifying 
their extravagant notions. The unnecessary ex- 
penditures of some young men would decently 
and creditably support others, if they had no other 
income. It is astonishing to see how hard some 
young persons will labor, how closely they will at- 
tend to business, and how foolishly, and for what 
small trifles they will spend their earnings. They 
seem not to regard the future, but direct their at- 
tention altogether to those things which afford 
pleasure at the present time. 

A few years since, we became intimately ac- 
quainted with a young man who was quite wealthy. 
His father had been quite successful in business, 
and had secured for himself and family a hand- 
some little fortune, but died when he was compar- 
itively young, and left it all to his children. The 
portion inherited by the son, to whom we here 
have reference, amounted to some twelve or fifteen 
thousand dollars, which by some young persons 
would be considered quite a fortune. This young 
man was a noble and generous-hearted man, and 
was kind and obliging almost to a fault. And in 
addition to this, he was strictly moral. He would 
neither swear, break the Sabbath, nor use intoxi- 
cating liquors of any kind, and was careful to 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 213 

avoid most of the vices in which so many young 
persons indulge to their ruin. 

But after all, this young man was extravagant. 
Especially was he so in regard to dress and travel- 
ing equipage. The most fashionable cities of the 
East could not furnish him with clothing that was 
too fine, and he was not satisfied if his carriage 
and horses were not superior, in all respects, to 
any that could be found in the community in 
which he lived. We counted in his wardrobe, at 
one time, some twelve suits of clothing, all fine 
and nice. Beside this, though he was quite young, 
he went to the expense of building for himself a 
splendid palace, and of furnishing it with the most 
costly furniture which the country could produce; 
beside various other extravagant notions too te- 
dious to be named. 

And what was the result? Why he soon ran 
through all that he possessed, and was deeply in- 
volved in debt. We have not seen him for some 
years past, but learn from realiable authority that 
he is hard pressed to get along in the world, and 
is bound to attend closely to business to meet the 
ordinary demands of nature. Now if this young 
man had not indulged to such an extent his pro- 
pensity to show off in the world, and had taken 
things more moderately; if he had paid more at- 
tention to his real wants, and less to the fashions 
and customs of the day, he might now be comfort- 
ably situated in life, and in a condition to make 
himself useful to others. 



214 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

But we must avoid extravagance not only in 
dress, houses, furniture and such like, but also in 
business. 

Said a distinguished writer on this subject: "A 
business that yields you a fair saving for future 
wants is all you ought, at first, to expect; and as 
it advances, if it affords you full competency and 
comfort you may rest satisfied that it will meet 
your reasonable wishes. Rapid prosperity should 
be sought by no sensible man. Apart from its 
•serious risks, the mind must grow, and life must 
multiply its sentiments and feelings, before you 
can reach that degree of human experience, which 
is essential to large enjoyment. This is a great 
evil in American mercantile life, indeed, it is a 
vice of our society. The most of our people 
strive to crowd enjoyment into their existence ere 
they have learned to be happy ; or reached the age 
at which it is susceptible of most intensity." 

A young gentleman, some years since, engaged 
in the mercantile business upon a small scale, in 
the city of L — , and for awhile was very success- 
ful. He resolved, however, to operate upon a 
larger scale ; and accordingly rented a fine large 
business-house, and filled it with the various arti- 
cles pertaining to his trade. But he soon found 
that he had enlarged his business to such an ex- 
tent that he had not sufficient capacity to manage 
and control it, and that his business was not pro- 
portioned to his experience and business qualifica- 
tions. He soon discovered, also, that his expendi- 



SUCCESS m LIFE. 215 

tures were considerably larger than his regular 
income, and that he lacked ability to change this 
state of things. The result was, he was under the 
necessity of suspending operations. And on wind- 
ing up his business, he found himself in debt to 
the amount of some several thousand dollars. 

Then, what we would say to young men is, be 
frugal in all matters, whether great or small. And 
especially is this practice necessary in every de- 
partment of business. Let a man curtail all un- 
necessary expenses, and take proper care of his 
earnings, however small, and he will soon be as- 
tonished to find himself in possession of all that 
he needs to supply his real wants. A wealthy 
merchant of New York, by gathering up all the 
lucifer matches, which, from time to time, were 
wasted by his clerks, who were dependent upon 
him too, for a support, always had enough of that 
article to supply his own wants, without spending 
a single farthing. 

" The neglect of trifles, as they are called, is 
suffering a moth to eat holes in your purse, and 
let out all the profits of your industry. Nothing 
is more true than the old proverb, ' That a penny 
saved, is twopence got.' When, therefore, you 
wrangle for a farthing in a bargain, or refuse to 
throw it away in sport, do not let fools laugh you 
out of your economy, but leave them their jest, 
and keep you your money. * * * Men ought 
to take care of their means, ought to use them 
prudently and sparingly, and to keep their ex- 



216 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

penses always within the bounds of their income, 
be it what it may." 

But again, if we would be successful in life, 
we must avoid bad company. 

Nothing which we have, or can suggest, will 
more certainly block up the way of a young man, 
and prevent him from carrying out his worldly 
plans successfully, than for him to keep bad com- 
pany. It is more or less true in every case, " that 
a man is known by the company he keeps." He 
may be honest in his intentions, just in all his 
dealings with others ; he may have energy, indus- 
try, and economy, and may well understand the 
business or profession in which he is engaged; 
yet if he associates with men without moral char- 
acter and standing, men of degraded habits, he 
will accomplish but little for himself or any one 
else. 

Some bad men endeavor to make others as bad 
as themselves, for no other consideration than the 
pleasure it affords them to see that others are as 
bad as themselves. And if young men associate 
w^ith such individuals, they are sure to be brought 
down on a level with them as to standing in so- 
ciety. 

" Once abandoned to their influence, you are 
lost. They will lead you from sin to sin, until 
you are as highly accomplished in the arts of vice 
as the worst. Remember, that evil companions 
will blight in you the delicate flower of innocence, 
which diffuses itself around youth as a sweet per- 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 217 

fume." We think we are running no risk, when 
we say, that it is impossible for a young man to 
associate, for any length of time, with bad men, 
without sustaining more or less injury as to char- 
acter, if he is not led into vice, which will ruin 
his worldly prospects. The most dangerous char- 
acter, perhaps, to which we could direct the atten- 
tion of young men, is the gambler. In the lan- 
guage of Mr. "Wise, " he has no principles of 
honor or integrity, for cheating is his trade. He 
has no pity. His heart is as adamant. He will 
fleece his victim of the last penny he has in the 
world, though he knows the poor dupe has a 
starving family at home, and will either go forth 
from his den to become a robber, or to rush un- 
bidden into the presence of his God. He has the 
body of a man, but the spirit of a devil. It is 
his meat and his drink, to destroy and ruin his 
fellow-creatures. Yet this is the man who will 
greet a young man with smiles and flattery ; who 
will praise his skill, laud his courage, and predict 
his success at the gambling-table. This is the 
man to whom silly youths surrender themselves." 
In a popular town, in the midst of a wealthy 
community in the State of Kentucky, lived a 
young man, who had selected as a business, the 
practice of law. For a while, he was respected 
by all who knew him. And there seemed, for a 
time, to be every indication that he would be suc- 
cessful and do well. But soon it was discovered 
that he had selected, as his regular associates, the 
19 



218 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

lowest class of people who lived in the town. 
He would go to houses of ill fame and equalize him- 
self with those who were without character, with- 
out standing, and without common decency itself. 
And would, sometimes, dissipate and carouse with 
this class of persons until a late hour at night. 
As these facts came to light among the people, he 
was no longer respected by them. For a time 
afterward, he attended the bar of justice regularly 
as a jurist, but no one paid any special attention 
to him. Gentlemen of his own profession passed 
him by in silence. And very soon it might be 
seen that every respectable lady and gentleman 
were disposed to avoid his company whenever it 
was possible for them to do so. 

Whenever a young man begins to keep bad 
company, he soon begins to neglect his regular 
business. And if this is neglected, it will soon 
run down. And besides this, as a young man be- 
gins to fail in business, the people begin to lose 
confidence in him, and in a short time, he will be 
astonished to find himself out of business and 
destitute of friends. If a young man associates 
with the abandoned and licentious, it will be im- 
possible for him to keep up the impression, in the 
minds of the people, that he is a person of integ- 
rity. " By mixing with such persons, he loses his 
character and virtue too. For on becoming famil- 
iar with vice, he soon ceases to hate it, and if he 
ceases to hate it, he will learn both to love and 
practice it." 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 219 

Then, we say to all young persons, In the lan- 
guage of one who had weighed these matters well, 
" select for your companions, persons as carefully 
educated, and as honestly disposed as yourself; 
such as are known and esteemed; whose pursuits 
are laudable ; whose lives are temperate, and whose 
expenses are moderate. With such, companions as 
these, you can neither contract discredit, nor de- 
generate into excess; you would be a mutual check 
to each other; and your reputation would be so 
established, that it would be the ambition of others 
to be admitted members of your society." 

Again, energy and industry are necessary in 
order to success in life. 

But as much has been said on these two points 
by different writers, and as their importance, as 
elements of success in life, are generally admitted 
by all persons, however limited their experience 
and observation, we think it unnecessary to spend 
much time in arguing the necessity of either. 

If a young man would reach any desirable end 
in life, he must expect first to overcome many 
obstacles, and to grapple with many formidable 
difficulties. And if he does not employ all the 
energy which he possesses, he is sure to meet 
with disappointment at the last. 

Men are too much inclined, of late days, to 
attribute their ill success in life to their misfor- 
tunes, or to an unfavorable combination of cir- 
cumstances ; and to argue, that if it had not been 
for this or the other " mishap/' they would have 



220 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

accomplished this or the other desirable object, 
when, really, the whole difficulty in their case is, 
a want of energy. They look around among 
their successful neighbors and say, this man is 
the child of fortune; that man has been lucky 
all his life ; and of the third, he has had the most 
favorable opportunities to get along in the world 
that could be desired; for every plan that he de- 
vises seems to work well, and every thing to 
which he turns his hand, prospers beyond all 
expectation; when, really, the philosophy of the 
whole matter is, in regard to those lucky or for- 
tunate individuals, that they are men of untiring 
energy. Here lies the great secret of their suc- 
cess. 

" If any young man desires a confirmation of 
these ideas, let him carefully study the history of 
every man who has written his name on the wall 
of the temple of fame. Let him view such minds 
in their progress toward greatness. He will see 
them rising, step by step, in the face of stubborn 
difficulties, which gave way before them only be- 
cause their courage would not be daunted, nor 
their energy wearied. He will find no exception 
in the history of mankind. Supine, powerless 
souls have always fainted before hostile circum- 
stances, and sank beneath their opportunities; 
while men of power have wrestled, with sublime 
vigor, against all opposing men and things, and 
obtained success because they would not be de- 
feated." 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 221 

But you should remember that energy, without 
prudence, may degenerate into rashness, and this 
last may precipitate us, with all our plans, hopes 
and prospects, into ruin. Rashness has been the 
ruin of thousands of individuals who were not 
lacking for energy. They were too hasty. They 
would not give their owm thoughts time to ma- 
ture, nor their own plans and arrangements time 
to work out, successfully, the object which they 
had in view. Such persons are always grasping 
eagerly after the desired object before they are in 
reach of it, and the consequence is, they miss 
their aim. "While we struggle manfully " against 
all opposing men and things," with a determina- 
tion never to be conquered, or to give up the 
contest, we should always act with calmness and 
deliberation. 

It is not always the man who travels fastest 
that will get to his journey's end soonest. He 
who travels steadily, and always in the right 
direction, is the man who will generally make the 
u best time." Said one of the seven Grecian phi- 
losophers, " the more haste the less speed." That 
man who is actuated in his movements by the 
mere impulse of the moment, without foresight or 
proper regard to circumstances, is not apt to se- 
cure the most desirable ends in life. 

But, then, we are to be industrious as well as 
energetic. "We should learn habits of industry in 
the days of our youth. Hundreds of persons let 
the "prime of life" pass away in idleness, and, 



222 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN/ 

in. their declining days are under the necessity of 
laboring and toiling for the means of subsistence ; 
when, if they had spent their younger days in 
following, industriously, some trade or profession, 
their latter days might have been spent pleasantly 
to themselves, and profitably to others. The idler 
never can be a happy man. It is contrary to the 
laws of nature and the rules of sound philosophy. 
" It is a law of the human constitution, that man- 
kind shall find their happiness and their develop- 
ment in action. And it were as easy to grasp 
the forked lightning, or to stay the fiery waves 
of the volcano, as to contravene this law." 

The idea prevails, to a considerable extent at 
the present day, among many young men, that 
labor, of any kind, is dishonorable ; and so deeply 
is this idea riveted upon their minds, that they 
are ashamed to be found following the plow, 
pushing the plane, or engaged in any other labori- 
ous employment. Such views ought to be treated 
with contempt by every honest and industrious 
man ; for nothing, it seems to us, can be more 
honorable than to see him honestly following 
some mechanical, agricultural, or professional 
pursuit, that he may be enabled, thereby, to sup- 
ply the wants of himself and family. But it is 
unnecessary to argue a point already settled by 
the voice of inspiration. The language of the 
Bible, as expressed to man, is, " Let him labor, 
working with his hands the thing which is good, 
that he may have to give to him that needeth." 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 223 

Idleness is the forerunner of shame and poverty. 
That youth, while his parents care for him, and 
make provision for the regular supply of his 
wants, may not realize, at the time, the necessity 
of industrious habits ; but when he arrives at that 
point where all depends upon his own efforts, he 
will feel the sad results of indulging in habits of 
idleness. This is forcibly illustrated by the case 
of a young man who attended a course of lectures 
at the Medical University in the city of Louis- 
ville, some years since. During the course of 
lectures now referred to, it was our privilege, most 
of the time, to be in attendance. This young man 
was the son of wealthy parents, who lived in one 
of the Southern States ; and, we suppose, from his 
conduct during the time that we had an opportu- 
nity of noticing his course, that he was raised up 
in idleness. Be this as it may, he spent his time 
in idleness during his stay in Louisville ; at least 
so far as we could see or hear, after paying some- 
what particular attention to his case. During lec- 
ture hours he might be seen throwing paper balls 
at the rest of the students, or putting himself into 
the most awkward positions that he could possibly 
assume, that he might attract their attention, and 
cause them to laugh. And if not thus employed, 
he was out promenading the streets, or engaged 
in some childish amusement. 

Be it remembered, too, that he belonged to that 
class of students who expected to graduate at the 
close of the session. The time for conferring the 



224 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

degree of M. D., upon those who were found 
worthy, soon arrived ; and the amphitheater was 
crowded to overflowing with spectators to witness 
the ceremonies. The second class students, (those 
who had attended two courses of lectures,) having 
passed a creditable examination before the profes- 
sors of the institution, were all in their places, 
neatly dressed, and in fine spirits. But where is 
our idler during this time, who formerly belonged 
to this class ? He sits just back of his former 
classmates, observed by the entire audience, cov- 
ered with confusion, his feelings deeply mortified, 
from the fact that he had just been rejected by 
the unanimous consent of the medical faculty, on 
account of his idleness during lecture hours, and 
his inattention to books during the hours for reg- 
ular study. We leave the young reader to im- 
agine the feelings of this young man on that 
occasion. 

Here we see the importance of industry, as a 
means of success in life. While idleness leads to 
poverty, wretchedness, and, generally to a life of 
immorality and licentiousness, industry leads to a 
rich and ample harvest, as to wealth, and to an 
honorable and desirable position in the best classes 
of society. 

Finally, " above every thing else, you should re- 
member, that success in life is vitally connected 
with your own moral growth and improvement, 
by means of patient, faithful self-culture. A man 
has no power like power over himself. It is 



SUCCESS IN LIFE. 225 

power to discipline his faculties, to govern his 
passions, to control his tastes, to form his nature 
to immortal excellence and joy. He can not act 
on the outer world as on himself. Mountains may 
be tunnelled, and oceans diminished to lakes. 
Inventions may apply all science, and art may fill 
the earth with its triumphs; but man lifts him- 
self high above these humble things, and rises to 
the dignity of divine companionship. Rich in a 
plenitude of gifts, and commanding all the re- 
sources of the universe to bless and ennoble, how 
few feel that Omnipotence waits at their side to 
attend them in their ascending pathway! The 
saddest spectacle of the world is the dead souls 
around us. Dead they are — dead in intellect, 
hope, heart, — dead to humanity, home, God. See 
their footsteps ! The grass withers and the flowers 
perish before them. See their foreheads! The 
sunshine is cold and pale upon them. The worms 
of the grave crawl over their hearts, and they 
dwell among the habitations of death, as the hid- 
eous skeleton of men departed." 



LECTURE XI. 

EVIDENCES OF THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY. 

If Christianity is founded upon a system of 
truth, and is, therefore, of Divine origin; we 
should not only believe in its doctrines, but live 
in the daily practice of its precepts. But, if it 
is founded upon a well-arranged system of false- 
hoods, we should investigate the matter, until such 
falsehoods are discovered, brought to light, and 
exposed to the view of all men. We should 
never reject its claims, however, until we have the 
most positive evidence of its being " a cunningly 
devised fable." And as there has been much la- 
bor, research, and close investigation, upon the 
part of the opponents of Christianity, in the last 
eighteen hundred years, to establish the latter 
proposition upon the kind of evidence just named, 
and as they have thus far failed in every attempt 
to do so, with any degree of satisfaction, even to 
themselves, it may be taken as a positive assur- 
ance that such a proposition never can be estab- 
lished. 

In fact, so many fruitless attempts have been 
made to disprove the truth of Christianity, that 
we are a little inclined to doubt the sincerity of 
the man who professes to disbelieve its truth, and, 
from that consideration, to reject its claims. 
(226) 



EVIDENCES OF CHKISTIANITY. 227 

Among all the subjects which, have been, or 
may be presented to our minds, and claim our 
attention, none can be more important than this. 
For it affects alike our present and eternal well- 
being. All men, and especially the young, should 
have clear views, not only of the doctrines of 
Christianity, but of the grounds upon which we 
are under obligations to believe them. 

For if we are lacking upon either of these 
points, however well established our own minds 
may be in regard to the truths of Christianity, as 
revealed in the Bible, we shall be very much an- 
noyed by those who make it a point, whenever 
the opportunity offers itself, to endeavor to shake 
the faith of all who do not oppose, and abuse 
Christianity as they do. 

If the reader is not aware of it, he should be, 
that there is, in almost every portion of this coun- 
try, a class of men generally denominated infidels, 
or skeptics, whose object seems to be to bring 
into disrepute the character of Christianity, of 
its teachers and adherents; and are endeavoring 
to induce the world to believe, that all who pro- 
fess to be governed by its pure precepts, as set 
forth in the Bible, are a set of hypocrites; that 
they are trying to deceive the people, that they 
may be able to accomplish some evil design. 

The worst feature in the case of those who are 
aiming to make this false impression, is, that they 
are aiming to do so, not by fair and logical rea- 
soning; not by any attempt upon their part to 



228 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

establish, what they say as being true, for they 
know that this can not be done, but by attempt- 
ing to get all who will listen to them, and espe- 
cially the young, to believe that Christianity is a 
system of priestcraft, from beginning to end; its 
teachers impostors, and their followers a bigoted, 
narrow-minded "set," who deserve no confidence 
whatever. 

At the same time, these skeptics claim to be 
candid, liberal in their sentiments, and entirely 
free from any thing like prejudice. They try very 
hard to make the impression that their minds are 
unbiased by any improper sentiments, or any self- 
ish feeling. They are so much in the habit of 
urging their opinions, and repeating their false 
insinuations, that those who believe in Christianity 
are very apt, if they do not make themselves 
familiar with the character of such men, to be 
deceived by them; and will admit the charge 
they make against Christians, and their unjust 
claim to candor and liberality. 

Never allow yourself to be misled by this class 
of men. For, to say the least of them, they are 
incapable of giving instruction to the young or to 
any one else, in the great science of Christianity, 
from the fact that they have paid but little atten- 
tion to it, and know but little about it. If you 
will observe closely, you will soon discover that 
this class of men have never examined the evi- 
dences of the truth of the Christian religion. 
They are either afraid, or have no inclination to 



EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. 229 

do so. And here is the great secret of their op- 
position. If they would pay proper attention to 
the subject, they would soon see its importance to 
themselves and others. They would be convinced 
that it is of divine origin, would yield to its 
claims, and cease to oppose. But they seem to 
dread the light which might be elicited by inves- 
tigation, as the hooting night-bird dreads the light 
of the midday sun. They carefully avoid every 
thing calculated to give them correct views of 
Christianity, and read and study such books only 
as have a tendency to confirm them more fully in 
the principles of infidelity. 

If the subject was not too grave in its charac- 
ter, one might be amused to see with what eager- 
ness they catch at every thing which they suppose 
will weaken confidence in the truth of the Chris- 
tian religion, and establish the false positions 
which they have assumed. 

Very few of the class of men, here referred to, 
may be said to be men of intellectual and acquired 
abilities. A large majority of them are quite des- 
titute of general information. " The grounds on 
which skeptics build their disbelief of Christianity 
are commonly very slight. The number is com- 
paratively few whose opinions are the result of 
any tolerable degree of investigation." It is that 
class of infidels, too, who know the least, who 
generally make the greatest noise, and do the 
most harm. 

They seem to delight in doing all in their power 



230 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

to counteract the efforts which are made to dis- 
seminate the pure principles of Christianity among 
the people, and to destroy its influence upon their 
minds. And when they fail, as they generally do 
among those who are tolerably well-informed, 
they seem to get out of humor, and to become 
disgusted at the conduct of all who will not be- 
lieve and act as they do. Such men very rarely 
make an attack upon those who have investigated 
the evidences of the truth of Christianity, and are 
prepared thereby to defend themselves. They 
know too well the result which may be looked for 
in such cases. Their efforts most commonly refer 
to the young who have had but little time and but 
few opportunities to qualify themselves to resist the 
influence of their false and dangerous doctrines. 

We well remember an instance in our own his- 
tory, which may sexwe to illustrate the truth of 
this last statement. 

"When about seventeen years of age, having 
been a member of the church, and a professor of 
religion for several years, we were in the habit 
of visiting, quite frequently, the family of a gentle- 
man who lived but a mile or so from where we 
were raised. He was a professed infidel in his 
notions, and seemed to hate the Bible "with a 
cruel hatred," and did all that he could, from time 
to time, to shake our confidence in the Chris- 
tian religion. We now look back and remember, 
with horror, the profane language which he used, 
the pains which he took, and the time he spent in 



EVIDENCES OF CHEISTIANITY. 231 

trying to infuse into our minds the poison of infi- 
delity. But we rejoice in our hearts that he failed 
to accomplish his wicked design. 

And now will the young reader believe it when 
he is told that this gentleman, though some forty 
years of age, could not read the Bible, and that 
he was comparatively a stranger to the doctrines 
of Christianity, as taught therein? These are but 
the facts in his case. He stayed away from all 
places of public worship, except when he occasion- 
ally went as a matter of curiosity to himself. He 
carefully avoided every thing calculated to in- 
spire the mind with proper sentiments in regard 
to the Christian religion. 

How many young men, just at this period in 
their history have been ruined by the pernicious 
example and influence of just such men! These 
are the men, who, most of all, should be dreaded, 
and their movements watched by the young men 
of this country. They may point you to that 
minister of the gospel, and to the conduct of this 
member of the church. They may abuse, in un- 
measured terms, this and the other doctrine 
taught in the Bible. But we say to all young 
men, keep your eye steadily fixed upon that man, 
and guard well against his influence, who, in the 
middle of the nineteenth century, when revelation, 
science, and all nature are throwing their unmis- 
takable light upon his pathway, calls in question 
the truth of revealed religion. That religion 
which has given comfortable hope to thousands 



232 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

and millions in the extremes of misfortune and in 
the dying hour, and is destined finally to enlighten 
and save the world. For their object is to lead you 
along, step by step, in the labyrinthian path of un- 
belief, until you have adopted their sentiments, and 
are confirmed in the principles of infidelity. 

And if they should succeed in their attempt, 
how wretched would be your condition? "We 
might then exclaim, in the language of Smith, 
" Is this a spectacle which it is possible for any 
human being to behold with indifference? A 
young man standing on the threshhold of life, and 
just going into all the business of the world, with 
a heart in which every principle of right and 
wrong is thoroughly shaken and impaired. If not 
destined for great offices in life, yet he is a brother, 
a son, a friend ; he is to be a husband and a father 
of children ; some must trust him, and some must 
love him. Call it bigotry, and cover these notions 
with mockery and derision ; but I say it would be 
better for this young man, that the work of death 
were going on within him, that the strength and 
the roses of his youth were fading away, and that 
he were wasting down to the tombs of his ances- 
tors, wept by his friends, and pitied by the world." 

Whatever may be thought of this language, by 
others, we have no doubt as to the correctness of 
the position here assumed by the author. 

It has long been to us a matter of astonishment, 
why any reflecting man should be opposed to the 
doctrines of the Christian religion. For if its prin- 



EVIDENCES OF CHBISTIANITY. 233 

ciples are founded upon a system of falsehoods 
throughout, in its practical influence and final re- 
sults, it can not in the least injure its adherents, 
however strictly its precepts may be obeyed. 

What does Christianity purpose ? It finds man 
in ignorance, trying to feel his way, as it were, in 
the darkness of error and superstition. He is ig- 
norant alike of his origin, present condition, and 
future destiny. Infidelity, with all its boasted 
wisdom, leaves him in the dark. But Christian- 
ity bursts asunder the involving clouds of dark- 
ness and reveals man to himself. It finds him in 
pursuit of happiness, seeking for something that 
will remove the burden from, and impart peace 
to his troubled mind. He has sought for it in 
wealth, worldly fame, honor, the friendship of the 
world, and in the society of the great and the 
wise, but all in vain. Here, again, infidelity offers 
no relief, points to no remedy. But Christianity 
directs him to a fountain where sin may be washed 
away, to a power which will remove the burden 
from his mind, and now he is at peace with his 
Creator, with himself, and with all the world 
beside. 

It finds him in a world of affliction, vexation, 
disappointment and sorrow, without a single ray 
of hope as to the future. And if he appeals to 
infidelity in his misfortunes, it points him to mo- 
rality, to a set of rules without authority, and, to 
say the least of them, doubtful in their practical 
influence and tendency. And when he looks to 
20 



234 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

the end of his journey, all is still, dark and gloomy. 
But Christianity throws its light beyond the dark- 
ness of the tomb, and draws aside the vail that 
intervenes between us and the invisible world, and 
all is as light as day. It says, " bear with patience 
and fortitude the evils which may for a time af- 
flict you. Walk in my ways of pleasantness and 
peace, and soon you shall live where death never 
comes, and where you shall enjoy unalloyed hap- 
piness forever." 

We ask, then, in view of these facts, why op- 
pose Christianity ? For if its promises all fail in 
regard to the future, it certainly betters the con- 
dition of man in this life, in every sense of the 
word. Infidelity says, that Christianity is a fable, 
without giving you the slightest evidence of the 
truth of such a declaration, and at the same time, 
makes no promise which reaches beyond the pre- 
sent state of existence. But Christianity elevates 
man's condition here, both in a temporal and 
spiritual point of view, reveals to him the joys of 
a future world, and promises more than the mind, 
with its present limited information can conceive 
of. " Which," then, " is the more commendable 
and noble, to believe in Christianity without proof, 
or to disbelieve in it without proof? A modest 
coincidence with received opinions, above our fac- 
ulties, or an affected contempt of them? f * * 
And," we ask, " if it is not afflicting to behold 
that depraved appetite for misery and despair 
which induces men to yield up their assent to a 



EVIDENCES OF CHEISTIANITY. 235 

system of incredulity, without being acquainted 
in the smallest degree with the reasons on which 
it is founded." 

No man should oppose Christianity, or seek to 
undermine its influence, though he may not believe 
its teachings. For in so doing, he is resisting the 
force of evidence, where there is every reason that 
he should be convinced. He ought to rejoice when 
he finds himself thoroughly routed and refuted; 
that some one has at last convinced him of his 
error, and showed him a better way. 

Let all young persons remember that the path 
traveled by infidels is truly dark and rugged. In- 
fidelity fills the mind with doubts and the most 
gloomy apprehensions, has nothing good to confer 
upon us at present, and leaves us in despair, be- 
cause it can promise us nothing which relates to 
the future. The future is shrouded in darkness 
to the mind of that man, who has closed his eyes 
against the light of revelation. It is all a mys- 
tery to his mind, and must remain so as long as 
he remains in unbelief. 

The object which we have in view, then, in 
presenting for your consideration, a few of the 
plain evidences of the truth of Christianity, is to 
convince you that the reverse of this is true when 
applied to the Christian religion. And now, if 
your mind is already tinged with the poison of 
infidelity, if you are, to some extent, prejudiced 
against Christianity as a system of divine revela- 
tion, or against any of its doctrines, if those against 



236 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

whose influence we wish to guard you, have, in 
any degree, induced you to disbelieve the teach- 
ings of the Bible, we hope that, while you read 
what follows on this subject, you will lay all such 
things aside, that you will examine carefully what 
is said, and be fully prepared, when through, to 
give a correct decision. 

"We notice first, as evidence of its truth, that 
Christianity sets forth nothing which is contrary 
to the teachings of nature, or of natural history, or 
to any principle of natural science or philosophy. 

Let us examine this proposition briefly, but care- 
fully. We take the ground that the Author of 
nature is, also, the author of revelation. But if 
there is a want of agreement between the book of 
nature, as it is called, and the Bible, our position 
would be wrong. But we contend that no such a 
disagreement has been, or can be found, and that, 
therefore, our position is right. If you were to 
discover in your observations of natural things, 
something in the nature, disposition, or movements 
of animate or inanimate beings which positively 
contradicts some plain declaration of the Bible, 
you might then begin to 'doubt. But you may look 
in vain for such a contradiction. Infidelity has 
already tried its strength upon this proposition by 
searching nature, history, and science, but as yet, 
they are unable to find one single contradiction. 
That page of history is yet to be written, and that 
discovery in science is yet to be made, which will 
bring to light some fact, about which, the inspired 



EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. 237 

authors of the Bible were mistaken, when they 
made their declaration in regard to it. 

We will illustrate this point more fully. It is 
said in the Book of Psalms, " Thou makest dark- 
ness, and it is night, wherein all the beasts of the 
forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after 
their prey, and seek their meat from God. The 
sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and 
lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth 
to his labor," etc. And do the beasts creep forth 
at night? Do the young lions roar after their 
prey ? And when the sun " ariseth," do they 
gather themselves together in their dens. If not, 
the Bible is at fault, from the fact, that its authors 
have made declarations in regard to the habits of 
animals, which are at variance with the facts in 
the case. But if the habits of these animals are 
such as are here described, there is no disagree- 
ment between the declaration of the Psalmist, and 
the plainest declarations of profane historians. 

"Well, we remark here, that every incidental al- 
lusion to natural things, upon the part of the sa- 
cred writers, has been, from time to time, carefully 
and critically examined by infidels, to see if they 
could discover any thing which fails to correspond 
with facts now admitted by all. But, as already 
remarked, no such discovery has ever been made. 
And we defy the infidel world, not only to show, 
but to find a single instance of the kind. Now 
we are aware that it may be said, that there is 
nothing extraordinary in giving a correct account 






238 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

of things with which the mind is perfectly fam- 
iliar, and, therefore, it is not strange that the 
sacred writers, in alluding to natural things, have 
made no mistakes. But we ask, is it so with 
other writers of natural history? "We answer, 
that it is not so in any case whatever. And you 
have but to examine the writings of profane au- 
thors, who professed and really desired to give a 
plain detail of facts in regard to things with which 
they were acquainted, to realize the truth of this 
statement. 

And how will infidelity account for the differ- 
ence, in this respect, between sacred and profane 
authors? It can be accounted for in but one way, 
and that is, one class wrote under the immediate 
direction of an infinitely- wise Being, and the other 
did not. 

There is, also, an exact agreement between the 
teachings of Christianity and natural science. 
And to our minds, this is irresistible evidence of 
its truth. And we particularly wish the young 
reader to pay special attention to the investigation 
of this proposition. 

At the close of the eighteenth century, all the 
sciences were arrayed against Christianity. The 
object was, to show that the sacred writers had 
set forth, as being true, that which is false, ac- 
cording to well-established principles, in the dif- 
ferent branches of natural science. "Well, if they 
had succeeded in this undertaking, it would have 
been positive proof that the authors of the Bible 



EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. 239 

were not inspired men. Infidelity was wide awake, 
and all its votaries busily engaged, and were de- 
termined, if possible, to demonstrate beyond a 
doubt, and that, too, upon scientific principles, 
that the Bible was at fault. From the fact, as 
they said, that declarations are made therein, 
which contradict some of the plainest facts 
brought to light by scientific investigation, now 
read and known by all men. For awhile, it 
seemed that victory would perch upon their ban- 
ners. And the chant of triumph might already 
be heard along the ranks of infidelity. There 
was a general jubilee among all the opposers and 
haters of Christianity. 

But their day of jubilee, with its disgusting 
ceremonies, was a premature affair. For scarcely 
had the sound of the first shouts of victory died 
away in the distance, before another flash of light 
from the temple of science revealed the absolute 
absurdity of every position which had been as- 
sumed by the advocates of infidelity. For, be it 
remembered, that the advocates of Christianity 
were not idle spectators of the movements that 
were being made by the infidel at this time. 
They were preparing to meet those who were 
trying to undermine one of the strong holds of 
the Christian religion, upon their own ground. 
And to show that they had set forth as facts in 
science, that which was false to all intents and 
purpose. 

Having investigated these matters to their sat- 



240 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

isfaction, the teachers of religion came forth with 
the Bible in one hand, and the book of science 
in the other, and challenged the infidel world to 
come forward and show wherein one was at vari- 
ance with the other. The strongest, and those 
best acquainted with the developments of science. 
in the ranks of infidelity, were sent forth to point 
out this difference, if such difference could be 
found. But all to no purpose. Tor it soon be- 
came manifest that infidelity had made another 
" glorious" failure. Infidels themselves soon dis- 
covered that their geological, chemical, and astro- 
nomical investigations had all been in vain, and 
worse than vain. For they saw that the adherents 
of Christianity had turned them all to their own 
advantage, by showing that every new discovery 
made by scientific investigation was but another 
evidence of the truth of the Christian religion. 

That the young reader may have an idea of the 
turns which are sometimes taken against Chris- 
tianity by its opponents, we will give a simple 
illustration of what has just been said. 

It is said in the Bible, substantially, that Josh- 
ua, upon a certain occasion, commanded the sun 
to stand still, that he might have time to accom- 
plish, more fully, the design of that Being, in 
whose service he was engaged. It is said, also, 
that the sun obeyed the command, and stood still. 

Well, a few years since, infidel astronomers, 
from this circumstance, endeavored to show that 
Joshua was a fool or something worse, as evinced 



EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. 241 

by his giving this command. "For/' said they, 
"it is evident from astronomical investigation, 
that the sun has been stationary in the heavens 
ever since it was first placed there by the fiat of 
Jehovah. And, therefore, Joshua could not have 
been an inspired man, for as such, he could not 
have made such a gross mistake." 

For awhile, this proposition seemed to be un- 
answerable. And to many, it was conclusive evi- 
dence that Joshua, and all the rest of the sacred 
writers had combined together to impose upon 
the rest of mankind. In the mean time the lamp 
of science was still shining with a brilliant light, 
throwing its rays more directly upon every object 
in the natural world. 

And by this light, Christian, as well as infidel 
astronomers, soon made the discovery that the 
sun does move upon its own axis, and controls, in 
its movements, the entire solar system. That, in 
other words, it is the great wheel, in the ma- 
chinery of our solar system, by which an all- wise 
Being moves all the rest. And now, when we 
remember that Joshua did not understand the 
principles of astronomy, as taught and understood 
at the present day, and yet, that in referring to 
things pertaining to that science, he spake with 
philosophical accuracy when he said to the sun 
stand still; how can we come to any other con- 
clusion than that his mind, at the time, was con- 
trolled by the direct agency of that Being who is 
perfectly familiar with the existence and move- 
21 



242 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

ments of every thing in the universe? It seems 
to us that there is no possible chance to resist 
the force of this conclusion, or to show that it is 
incorrect. Infidels themselves have long since 
abandoned the ground, in regard to this matter, 
which they once assumed with such an air of 
triumph. 

The illustration which we have given will hold 
good, not only in the science of astronomy, but in 
every particular branch of science that might be 
named. So much so, that whenever any man of 
science starts out to make some new discovery 
in nature; to see if there is not some spot 
unexplored, or some principle, the character of 
which is not fully understood, you may confi 
dently look for the development of some fact 
which will more fully establish the truth of the 
Christian religion. 

If you will take up a book which treats of 
science, you will find almost an endless variety 
of mistakes. Take, for example, a work on chem- 
istry; and if it has been published over two or 
three years, you will find that nearly one-half the 
statements which it contains have been demon- 
strated to be wrong by more recent and reliable 
investigations. 

But while this is true of all other books, it is 
not true of the Bible. There are copies of this 
book which we know to be a hundred years old. 
We know, also, that it contains history, natural 
and mental philosophy, chemistry and astronomy, 



I 



EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. 243 

And yet, after the most critical examination of all 
its parts, from beginning to end, and that, too, by 
those who despised its teachings, no mistake, as 
to doctrines or science, has ever been found. And 
yet we are bound to admit, from facts which are 
indisputable, that there is more learning and scien- 
tific knowledge at the present day than there was 
a century ago. Now, in view of these facts, we 
ask, why is it that men can not be as accurate 
now in what they write as they were who wrote 
the Bible? The facilities afforded for acquiring 
knowledge at the present day, are equal to those 
of any other period; and men are naturally as 
honest now as they ever were. Why, then, do 
we find such a variety of mistakes in all their 
writings? There can be but one correct answer 
given to this important question, and that is, 
those who wrote the Bible were directed by in- 
finite wisdom what to say, and how to say it, while 
those who write at the present day have no such 
direction. 

We notice, in the next place, as evidence of 
the truth of Christianity, that men of the high- 
est order of talents, whose minds are well stored 
with literary and scientific knowledge, have, after 
close investigation of the subject, acknowledged 
its truth. 

This is true, not only of practical believers in 
Christianity, but of those, also, who pay but little 
attention to its precepts. 

ISTow, this may not strike the mind of the young 



244 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

reader as it does ours; for we must acknowledge 
that we can find no way by which we can resist 
its influence upon our minds. Look, for instance, 
at those who, in their sentiments and feelings, are 
favorable to Christianity. They are men, many 
of them, of unblemished characters in society. 
]STo one would, for a moment, call in question the 
truth of any declaration which they might make 
affecting their temporal interest. They have been 
tried at every point, on various occasions, and 
under different circumstances, and have proved 
themselves to be men, not only of sound judg- 
ment, but of honest hearts. They are capable of 
deciding correctly any question which may be 
presented to their minds, and can tell immediately 
on which side the weight of evidence lies. In a 
word, they are men of deep learning, patient re- 
search, and of historical and scientific informa- 
tion ; and yet they tell us, that after close investi- 
gation of all that has been presented to their 
minds, both for and against the truth of Chris- 
tianity, they are perfectly satisfied that it is divine 
in its origin. 

Now, it is difficult for us to conceive how these 
men can be entirely honest in their declarations 
and decisions about other things, and intention- 
ally misrepresent the case in matters of more im- 
portance to themselves and others. In fact, we 
are bound to believe that they are not only honest, 
but correct in their decisions. And if these things 
are so, they speak loudly in favor of the reception 



EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. 245 

of Christianity, as a system of divine truth, upon 
the part of every individual. 

Furthermore, upon this point, among those who 
make no pretensions to the practice of religion, 
in any shape or form, we hear the same decision ; 
men, too, who feel no interest in its behalf, and 
have no desire for it to prosper on the one hand, 
or to be checked in its progress on the other. If, 
then, men of the most cultivated minds, fully able 
to investigate this subject thoroughly, and to view 
it in all its bearings, have decided that Christian- 
ity is no cunningly-devised fable, what shall we 
say of those who still refuse to believe? We must 
say that they manifest a degree of inconsistency 
that can be found nowhere else. For they can 
believe men to be honest in their business trans- 
actions, honest in politics, honest in all their pre- 
tensions and movements before the world, where 
there is much to induce them to be otherwise, 
and can believe them to be dishonest, where their 
highest and best interests go to show that they 
should be perfectly honest. 

Now, let the young reader weigh candidly what 
has been said upon this point, and especially the 
sentiment contained in the last paragraph, and he 
will see how unreasonable are many of the posi- 
tions assumed by professed infidels. 

Another evidence of the truth of Christianity, 
which we will notice before we close this lecture, 
is that infidels, after all their efforts, have failed 
to establish any thing to the contrary. 



246 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

For more than eighteen hundred and fifty years, 
the infidel world has been trying to prove that the 
inspired authors of the New Testament were a set 
of impostors, and their doctrines and precepts a 
forgery. And, at the present day, the probability 
of success, in this undertaking, is a thousandfold 
less than when they first made the attempt. In 
fact, there are so many circumstances, so many 
incontestable facts, which go to establish the truth 
of what is said in the New Testament scriptures, 
that men, as a general thing, are becoming quite 
careless about the investigation of any thing where 
the object is to prove the contrary. 

Infidels have had sufficient time and oppor- 
tunities, if it was possible for it to be done, to 
show that Christianity is false, in all its preten- 
sions, from beginning to end. But history, science, 
reason and experience are all against them, and 
boldly declare all the time, notwithstanding that 
they have been abused, twisted and tortured by 
the advocates of infidelity, that Christianity is of 
God. It matters not to what source infidelity may 
look to find something to support their sinking 
cause, and to enable them to carry their point, 
they are sure to meet with disappointment. 

" The loftiest pretensions of learning and phi- 
losophy, the most malignant arts of wit, satire, 
scurrility have been employed against the Chris- 
tian religion in vain. What malevolent effort 
has been put forth for its annihilation? Kings, 
and emperors, and generals, philosophers, states- 



EVIDENCES OF CHEISTIANITY. 247 

men and legislators have all aimed at its extirpa- 
tion." And have tried, in vain, to pull down the 
strong pillars which support the noble and lofty 
fabric of Christianity; but they have found it to 
be immovable; and the infidel world may try 
again and again, and still they will fail; for it is 
founded upon truth, and that truth shall never 
fail while time itself endures. 

Let it be remembered, too, that among those 
who have so violently opposed Christianity, are to 
be found men of intelligence, general information, 
and of extensive investigation. Men, too, of sound 
judgment, deep thought, and keen penetration. 
These men, having neglected the evidences of 
Christianity, have bent all their energies against 
its claims. It would really seem that if Chris- 
tianity was at fault, that such men would surely 
make the discovery. As belonging to the class 
of men just described, we may name Diderot, the 
French philosopher, Morgan, Tindal, Gibbon, Vol- 
taire, Hobbs, Bolingbroke, Hume, Rousseau and 
Thomas Paine. 

These men, justly celebrated for their learning, 
ingenuity, and talents, put forth their best eftbrts, 
and spent their lives in trying to show that Chris- 
tianity was a deep-laid scheme to impose upon the 
credulity of the human family, but failed entirely, 
after putting forth all their strength. They, with 
thousands more of the adversaries of the Christian 
religion, have long since been entombed, and many 
of them forgotten, but still the religion of the 



248 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

Bible continues to flourish, and from present indi- 
cations, its prospects to spread throughout the 
world were never more flattering than at the pre- 
sent time. 

And now, young reader, in view of what has 
been said, how can you come to any other conclu- 
sion than that the Christian religion is divine in 
its origin? We have seen that history, science, 
and learning, as well as the ingenuity of distin- 
guished philosophers, have been tested to the ut- 
most of their strength, to see if some fact could 
not be brought to light to silence the advocates 
of the truth of Christianity; but nothing of the 
kind has ever yet been found. " There is not, in 
all the world, a single particle of evidence against 
the claim of Christianity to be divine in its origin/ 5 
We close this lecture in the language of the poet : 

" What none can prove a forgery may be true; 
What none but bad men wish exploded, must." 



LECTURE XII. 

THE BIBLE A DIVINE REVELATION. 

In the lecture which precedes this, our remarks 
were somewhat general. This could not well be 
avoided, as we wished to embrace in our remarks 
several ideas which could not well be arranged 
under any separate or distinct proposition. This 
we will avoid, as well as we can, in the present 
lecture. 

Christianity, as a system, stands or falls with the 
Bible. Hence we design noticing, in this lecture, 
some of the evidences that the Bible is a revela- 
tion of the will of God. This has long been a 
contested point between Christians and infidels, 
the Christian maintaining that those who wrote 
the Bible, were inspired men, while infidels con- 
tend that they were not. In other words, the in- 
fidel contends that there is not sufficient evidence 
of the truth of the Bible to justify any man in be- 
lieving it to be a revelation from God, or in ad- 
hering strictly to its teachings. We think differ- 
ently, and shall try to prove the contrary, to the 
satisfaction of the reader. 

The Bible, notwithstanding the scoffs of infidel- 
ity, seems to have such clear evidence of its truth, 
is so well corroborated by ancient profane histo- 
rians, and is so fully established by various cir- 
cumstances in the world, that if we did not now 
believe in its truth, we should be compelled to be- 
lieve in it after an examination of the evidences 
of that truth. And we can not see how any man 
can disbelieve, after such an examination, unless 
he is determined not to believe, although he may 
(249) 



250 LECTUKES TO YOUNG ME1ST. 

find the most positive evidence of his error, in re- 
fusing to do so. 

As a young man, you may have paid but little 
attention to this subject. You may already be 
under the influence of strong prejudices against 
the Bible, and may have adopted, without consid- 
eration, some infidel notions. Be this as it may; 
we are well satisfied that if you will examine, with 
care, the evidences of the inspiration of the Scrip- 
tures, you will be able to adopt the language of 
Bishop Watson in one of his letters to Thomas 
Paine, where he says : " With a mind weary of 
conjecture, fatigued by doubt, sick of disputation, 
eager for knowledge, anxious for certainty, and 
unable to attain by the best use of my reason in 
matters of the utmost importance, I have long 
ago turned my thoughts to an impartial examina- 
tion of the proof on which revealed religion is 
grounded, and I am convinced of its truth" 

A great many young men are so situated in life, 
that they almost necessarily hear a great many low 
and abusive remarks made about the Bible, and 
the doctrines it contains. And although, at first, 
they may be surprised at such remarks, and think 
them entirely out of place, as well as any thing 
else which may be urged against the truth of the 
Bible, their confidence in that truth will finally be 
shaken, if they are not very much on their guard. 
And this, not because of any logical and powerful 
argument against the truth of the Bible, but be- 
cause they have been listening to statements made 
by men who hate the Bible, and have neglected 
to notice the purity of the doctrine it contains, 
and the positive evidence of its truth. 

Thousands of young men imbibe the principles 
of infidelity without a moment's reflection as to 
the impropriety of doing so. Without ever once 
thinking of the sad results of such principles, 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE EEVELATIOX. 251 

"when once the the intellectual and moral powers 
are brought fully under their influence. And if 
they were called upon to state precisely the 
grounds upon which they reject the teachings of 
the Bible, they would be wholly unable to bring 
forward any thing to justify them in pursuing the 
course they do. 

To prevent young men from adopting infidel 
sentiments, which have already ruined so many, 
is the object which we have in view in present- 
ing, for their consideration, some of the plain and 
positive evidences of the truth of the Bible. 

One of the evidences that the Bible is a revela- 
tion of the will of God, is the exact agreement 
between its teachings and the universal experience 
of mankind, or the correct representation which 
the Bible gives of man in every respect whatever. 

The sacred writers represent all men as being 
in the same fallen state throughout the world ; as 
being prone to reject that which is good, and to 
do that which is evil. They teach that man is 
disposed to follow the evil inclinations of his own 
heart, to give way to his natural appetites and 
passions, even when he is well convinced that such 
a course is wrong. They tell us, also, that all 
who have not realized the saving influence of 
divine grace upon their hearts, are dissatisfied; 
that for such " there is no peace," but that all is 
disquietude, anxiety, and misery; that in the mind 
of all, in this situation, there is a void which the 
world can never fill. 

And now, we ask, does this description corre- 
spond with the actual experience of men at the 
present day ? Is this a correct representation of 
man's condition in a moral point of view? No 
one can denj or doubt its correctness. 

Let it be remembered, that when many of the 
sacred writers gave us their description of man's 



252 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

condition morally, and said, among other things, 
that his heart is desperately wicked, inclined to 
evil, " and only evil, and that continually," that 
they were acquainted with but very few of the 
inhabitants of the earth, and yet they lay down a 
rule which fits every case. "How could they 
know that in some distant, and then unknown 
part of the earth, another primitive pair might 
not have been created, from whom an innocent 
race of human beings were then descending?" Or 
how could they know that the whole human 
family would correspond, in their natural disposi- 
tions, with those with whom they were acquainted, 
except by the immediate inspiration of God ? 

" If a pure race of human beings had anywhere 
been found on earth, it would have been a direct 
contradiction to the Scriptures." But they are all 
in the same state precisely, which is so forcibly 
described by the sacred writers, which proves, be- 
yond a doubt, that they were divinely inspired, as 
" a knowledge of the fact was beyond the reach 
of man." 

One way, then, to decide as to the truth of the 
Bible, is to refer to our own experience. If it con- 
tains anything contrary to our experience, in regard 
to our condition in a moral point of view, then it 
must be at fault; but if not, it must be what it 
purports to be, a revelation from God. And as 
infidels themselves can find nothing to the con- 
trary, and as our own experience confirms its 
truth, we are bound, in justice, to come to the 
latter conclusion. "Here we become intimate 
w^ith the germs of vice ; and there is no character 
but may see, as an infallible mirror, his true state 
here depicted. It is emphatically the book of the 
human heart, and could only be written by him 
who is conversant with all the thoughts and de- 
vices within us." 



THE BIBLE A DIVIDE REVELATION. 253 

Another evidence of the truth of the Bible, is 
the fulfillment of its prophecies. 

" Some of which were speedily fulfilled, others 
are in process of fulfillment to this day. Thus 
Christ foretold that he should be put to death in 
Jerusalem; that he must there suffer many things 
of the elders, and chief priests, and scribes ; that 
they would condemn him to death, and deliver 
him to the Gentiles, to mock, and scourge, and 
crucify him ; that the man who dipped his hand 
with him in the same dish, should betray him 
into their power; that the rest of his disciples 
would forsake him that night, and one of them 
deny him thrice ; that he should be crucified ; 
that he would rise again the third day; that he 
would meet his disciples in Galilee ; that, after his 
ascension, the Holy Spirit should descend on them 
at Jerusalem ; that miraculous powers should 
thenceforth be possessed and exercised by them ; 
that Jerusalem should be besieged and taken, and 
the temple entirely destroyed before all them 
then born were dead ; that the city should be 
trodden under foot of the Gentiles, until the times 
of the Gentiles be fulfilled; and that his gospel 
should universally spread, and his kingdom tri- 
umph over all opposition. Most of these were 
strikingly fulfilled before that generation passed 
away ; others are in process of glorious accom- 
plishment at the present day." — Evidences of 
Chris., page 167. 

"We might notice various other prophecies 
which relate to Babylon and Jerusalem, to differ- 
ent persons and places, and especially those which 
relate to the Savior of the world, but as the cir- 
cumstances of their fulfillment have been well 
illustrated by able writers, whose works are ex- 
tant, we think it unnecessary, as the reader doubt- 
less has access to many such works. 



254 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

He will allow us, however, to make one other 
short extract, which relates to a prediction of 
Moses in regard to the Jews, as recorded in Deut. 
xxviii : 25 — " The Lord shall cause thee to be 
smitten before thine enemies; and thou shalt be 
removed into all the kingdoms of the earth." 
Said Mr. Watson, in his conversations, " Now re- 
member that this prophecy was uttered more than 
three thousand years ago, and yet, to this day, the 
Jews are found in the four quarters of the earth, 
and scarcely any considerable place in the whole 
civilized world is without them ; so that the two 
facts are before us, that they are ' removed out of 
their own land, and are scattered into all the 
kingdoms of the earth.' In vain would you look 
for the contemporary nations of former times. 
They, also, were, at different times, largely scat- 
tered into different countries by wars, captivities, 
deportations, but they have been long lost in the 
mass. The Jews alone remain, distinct and visible 
as ever, the monuments of the truth of the pro- 
phetic spirit, and of the divine commission of 
their great Lawgiver." 

Another evidence of the Bible is, that the sacred 
writers wrought miracles by way of confirming 
the truth of what they said. 

" A miracle is an event varying from the estab- 
lished course of nature ; wrought by the interpo- 
sition of Grod himself, in attestation of some divine 
truth, or of the authority of some divine messen- 
ger or teacher. It is generally accompanied with 
a previous notice, that is performed according to 
the purpose and power of God." 

The miracles recorded in the Bible, were per- 
formed in the presence of hundreds and thousands 
of witnesses, and if they were spurious or false, 
why did not some that were present demonstrate 
their fallacy ? They surely could have done this, 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE KEVELATION. 255 

if those who performed them had been mere pre- 
tenders. " These things were not done in a corner, 
but in the broad open light of day, as though to 
satisfy all as to their genuineness. And the reader 
will observe, that their genuineness was never 
doubted by those among whom they were wrought. 
" They were not so stupid as not to know when 
the dumb spake, the blind saw, and the dead 
were raised/ 5 

When we take into consideration their number, 
their variety, and the circumstances under which 
they were wrought, we are at a loss to know upon 
what principle any one can doubt their genuine- 
ness. Examine for yourself the miracles wrought 
by the Savior of mankind, and see how easily their 
fallacy might have been detected, if such a thing 
had been possible. 

Take, for example, that one recorded in the 
gospel of St. John, vi : 8. Observe first, that there 
were but five loaves and two fishes. The people 
could not have been deceived as to their number, 
nor as to the number of persons present on the 
occasion. For to suppose that they were, is en- 
tirely unreasonable. But the multitude were com- 
manded to sit down, as though the object was to 
give all the opportunity of seeing that they were 
not about to be imposed upon. The Savior then 
took the loaves, blessed them, gave them to his 
disciples, and they to the people. " And likewise 
of the fishes, as much as they would." 

And to demonstrate more fully the genuineness 
of the miracle, after the people were all filled, he 
said to his disciples, " gather up the fragments that 
remain, that nothing be lost." And they filled 
seven baskets. And now, we ask, what was the 
impression made upon the minds of those present, 
before whose eyes this miracle had been wrought? 
(And they are surely the best judges.) Did they 



256 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

suppose for a moment, that they had been imposed 
upon ? Not the slightest evidence of any thing of 
the kind, but just the contrary. They may speak 
for themselves. Their language is, " This is of a 
truth that prophet that should come into the world." 

It should be remembered too, that this, as well as 
the rest of the miracles of Christ, and those wrought 
by his disciples, were performed in the presence 
of the wise and the great of a learned age. Per- 
sons who were well educated, and well prepared 
to defend themselves, when there was any proba- 
bility of their being imposed upon, and were, con- 
sequently, not easily deluded. In addition to this, 
they wrought these miracles for the purpose of 
attesting truths which were hated by the authori- 
ties and powers which then ruled, and which in- 
volved the workers of them in poverty, bonds, 
and death. And they were wrought to establish 
the sublime and important truths of the Bible. 

And did Christ and his disciples, without the 
least hesitation, work miracles in the presence of 
the people? We answer, that they did. And 
challenge the infidel world to prove the contrary. 
May all young men who read the Bible, feel the 
power of its truth, and be governed by its pre- 
cepts. 

Again, the character of those who wrote the 
Bible, is a sufficient guarantee of its truth. 

They must have been men of good moral char- 
acter, or the contrary would long since have been 
established. Infidels themselves have borne testi- 
mony to the good character of the inspired authors 
of the Bible, in language which is really touching 
and sublime. We now recollect of no one of them 
who urged any thing against the character of the 
sacred writers, except Tom Paine. And what he 
had to say, consisted of low and vulgar abuse, 
without any proof of what he said, as being true. 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE KEVELATION. 257 

It is very evident, from the opposition with, which 
the Bible has met in the world, that if there had 
been a single flaw in the character of those by 
whom it was written, it would long since have 
been brought to light, and exposed to public view. 
And as infidels have never attacked the character 
of the authors of the Scriptures, we may take it 
for granted, that nothing derogatory to their good 
standing can be urged against them. 

But look at this point in a still stronger light. 
Would bad men write such a book as the Bible, 
a book which universally condemns vice and im- 
morality in every shape and form ? Would they 
write the best book in the world ; containing the 
most lofty and sublime sentiments which were 
ever presented to the human mind, and at the 
same time, of incomparable beauty ? To suppose 
such a thing would be wholly inconsistent. 

But it may be said, that the authors of the 
Bible were ignorant men, and were, therefore, 
easily deceived and imposed upon. But we ask, 
could ignorant men produce such a book as the 
Bible ? A book which contains so many histori- 
cal facts, so much sound philosophy, so much 
poetry ; which is unsurpassed in purity of style 
and sublimity of thought, by the best poets of 
ancient or modern times ? No one could believe 
this. Then the sacred writers were not ignorant 
men, were not easily deceived. If they were im- 
posed upon, we ask, by what, or by whom were 
they deceived? Where is the evidence of their 
mental weakness? 

But, after all, it may be said that the sacred 
writers were hypocritical pretenders. But would 
such men write a volume which condemns, in 
strong language, every thing like hypocrisy or 
deceit? Then again, what object could they have 
in view ? What motives could have induced them 
22 



258 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

to write such a book V Not worldly glory, for 
this it invariably condemns. Not avarice, for this 
it totally repudiates. Selfishness would not influ- 
ence them. To do good, even by false methods, 
the virtuous would despise. Besides, we ask, is it 
not strange, that the time when the Scriptures 
were forged, or the country and language, or some 
at least of the confederates have never been dis- 
covered? If written by those whose names are 
annexed, then it is manifestly divine. To confute 
this is beyond the power and combination of skep- 
ticism to effect/' 

Again, the fact that the sacred writers did not 
conceal their own faults, and the faults of others 
connected with them, is strong evidence of the 
truth of what they said. 

If they had covered up their faults, and kept 
them concealed until they had been discovered by 
their enemies, and charged upon them, it would 
have been satisfactory proof that they were a set 
of impostors. But such is not the fact. " The 
writers were exact in detailing their own imper- 
fections and sins, as well as the sins of others who 
were the avowed servants of God." For instance, 
Moses tells us how reluctant he was to undertake 
the divine mission, that is, to go into Egypt and 
lead the children of Israel to the promised land. 
Also, of his killing an Egyptian, for imposing 
upon one of his brethren. He tells us, also, that 
he was kept back from the promised land on 
account of some misstep which he had taken 
during his travels to that land. He relates, with 
"unvarying fidelity, the intemperance of Noah, 
just after he left the ark, as well as the results 
which followed." The sacred writers give us a 
detailed account of the incest of Lot, and the 
various circumstances with which it is connected. 
They relate the idolatry of Aaron, in making the 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE KEVELATIOJNT. 259 

golden calf, and worshiping the same, in direct 
opposition to the will of God ; the sins of David, 
in committing adultery with Uriah's wife, under 
circumstances, too, which made the crime more 
aggravating in its character, and of his adding 
murder to the sin of adultery ; the unbelief of the 
disciples, Peter's denial of his Master, and his final 
fall, are all given with impartiality and exactness. 

Now, can we suppose that these men, if their 
design had been to impose upon the human 
family, would have revealed all their faults and 
failings, and that, too, when they were surrounded 
by their enemies, who were seeking to get the 
advantage of them by every thing which they 
could urge against them? To suppose this, would 
be to suppose that they were the most ignorant 
set of impostors that ever appeared before the 
world. 

In the absence, then, of proof to the contrary, 
Ave are bound to admit that they were honest, 
pious men, who spoke and wrote by the imme- 
diate inspiration of Grod. And to admit this, is 
to admit the truth of what they have said. 

Again, the wonderful preservation of the Scrip- 
tures, is further evidence of their truth. 

Upon what principle can we account for the 
singular preservation of the Scriptures, if not 
upon the principle, that an all-wise and powerful 
Being has watched over and taken care of them ? 
Portions of the Bible have been written for more 
than three thousand years. "Whole libraries of 
works have perished of much more modern date," 
yet no book ever met with stronger opposition than 
this. It is a well established fact, that historians, 
in the first three centuries, quoted almost every 
passage in the New Testament Scriptures. And 
yet, when they are compared with copies of the 
Bible now extant, they agree in every particular. 



260 LECTUEES TO YOUJSTG MEN. 

In fact, there were various sects among the Jews, 
and they watched each other with a jealous eye; 
and, therefore, it would have been impossible to 
have made any alteration in the Holy Scriptures 
without being detected. So particular were the 
Jews, in regard to this matter, that the alteration 
of a word, syllable, or letter was sufficient to 
condemn the whole copy. 

" There is no proof or vestige whatever, of any 
pretended alteration. If the Jews had willfully 
corrupted the books of the Old Testament before 
the time of Christ and his apostles, the prophets 
would not have passed such a heinous offense in 
silence; and if they had been corrupted in the 
time of Christ and his apostles, these would not 
have failed to censure the Jews. If they had 
been mutilated or corrupted after the time of 
Christ, the Jews would, unquestionably, have ex- 
punged the falsified prophecies concerning Christ, 
which were cited by him and by his apostles. 
* * * * And since the birth of Christ, the Jews 
and Christians have been a mutual guard and 
check upon each other." — Horn's Intro., page 8. 

It seems to us that this argument is conclusive. 
Let us suppose that some sect at the present day, 
Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, or Unitarian, 
should alter the Bible to suit the peculiar views 
of their denomination. Could either of them effect 
this without being detected ? We know that this 
would be impossible. Well, there has never been 
a time since the Bible was first written, but what 
this would have been as difficult to effect, as it 
would be at the present day. And it really seems 
that this fact, of itself, should be a sufficient guar- 
antee of the uncorrupted preservation of the Scrip- 
tures. 

We wish the young reader to examine, care- 
fully, what has been said upon this point; for it 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE KEVELATION. 261 

is often said, and too often believed, that the Bible, 
though originally written by men who were in- 
spired, it has so often been changed to suit the 
views of this and the other denomination, that it 
now contains but little of its original matter. 

Again, the matter of the Scriptures, the import- 
ant doctrines which they communicate, is evidence 
of their truth. 

" The system of doctrines and the moral pre- 
cepts which are delivered in the Scriptures, are so 
excellent and so perfectly holy, that the persons 
who published them to the world must have de- 
livered them from a purer and more exalted source 
than their own meditations." Information of vast 
importance to all men may be obtained from the 
Scriptures, which can be obtained from no other 
source. As a young man, wishing to do right in 
all things, and to secure the largest amount of 
happiness, let us suppose that you wish for infor- 
mation in regard to the attributes of God, his 
nature, perfections, and government, the origin 
of man and his final destiny, to your duty to God, 
yourself, and your fellow-beings, to your condition 
in a moral point of view, and, finally, as to the 
means by which we may be reconciled to God, 
where will you obtain the information necessary 
in relation to these points? 

Will you go to the works of nature? They 
leave you in doubts respecting the attributes of 
God, and say nothing of your duty or accounta- 
bility. Will you go to infidelity for this infor- 
mation ? It speaks in lofty strains of the wisdom 
and goodness of God, of the beauties of nature, 
and the splendor of the universe, but "here all 
is repulsive, chilling, and wretched." And so, in 
turn, you may go to reason, to learning, to science,, 
and human discovery and attainment; but after 
all your inquiries, you will be left in the dark if 



262 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

light can not be obtained from some other source. 
You should remember, too, that " this is all matter 
of essential consequence to us, all essential to our 
present welfare and everlasting salvation. These 
are truths peculiar to the Scriptures, and revealed 
nowhere else." The Bible gives you the informa- 
tion which you need, clothed with divine authority. 

A correct knowledge of these things could never 
have been obtained by man without supernatural 
assistance. And as the sacred writers refer to the 
character of God, the moral condition of man, the 
duties which we are to perform, and the means of 
present and eternal salvation; and demonstrated 
the truth of what they said by the most positive 
evidence, it is difficult for any man to come to any 
other conclusion, if his mind is unbiased by preju- 
dice, than that the Bible is a divine revelation. 

" If, then, they are from God, the question of 
their wisdom and truth is settled. We, can not ad- 
mit that there is a being of infinite perfection, 
without admitting his perfect wisdom and holiness. 
He can not be deceived himself, and he can not 
deceive his creatures. On this rock we rest. The 
perfect truth of the Scriptures is as demonstrable 
as that God is wise and holy. And here is the ad- 
vantage of possessing these oracles. Our great in- 
terest lies in moral and religious truth, and that 
truth is here. There is not a question relating 
either to duty or salvation, to which there is not 
here an answer. Are you an inquirer? There is 
the oracle. Consult it; for it shall speak and 
shall not lie." 

And now, young reader, allow us to close this 
lecture with a few general observations, reserv- 
ing for another short lecture the further discussion 
of this subject. 

You are now just entering the theater of active 
life. Just engaging in the performance of its busi- 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE EEVELATION. 263 

ness transactions, and in those pursuits which will 
occupy much of your time in the present state of 
existence. You may, like the few, glide smoothly 
along life's journey, with but little to disturb your 
mind or to lead you away from the path of virtue 
and morality. Or it may be to you a way of per- 
plexities, disappointment, and sorrow. How im- 
portant that your mind should be well established 
as to the truth of the Holy Scriptures ! The pro- 
mises of the Bible will be to you, if you will believe 
in their truth, a source of abiding consolation in 
your hours of affliction, distress and misfortune. 

Remember that the greatest and wisest of men in 
all Christian nations, were likewise the most emi- 
nent for their faith in, and adherence to, the Chris- 
tian religion. " They were men whose hopes were 
filled with immortality and the prospect of future 
rewards, and men who lived in a dutiful submis- 
sion to all the doctrines and duties of revealed 
religion." 

Young man, take the Bible for the man of your 
council. Rely upon its promises. Walk in its pre- 
cepts. Be governed by its teachings. For " it has 
God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, 
without any mixture of error, for its matter." 



LECTURE XIII. 

THE BIBLE A DIVINE REVELATION. — CONTINUED. 

The fact that the Bible was given "by the in- 
spiration of G-od," has always been a source of 
consolation to the humble Christian, but a source 
of anxiety and disquietude to all unbelievers. The 
reason is very obvious. The one abides by its de- 
cisions, and is satisfied, while the other professes 
to doubt in reference to its authority, and yet fears 
that it may be true. The Christian has examined 
the evidence of its truth, as well as the nature of 
those truths, and candidly believes the Bible to be 
the word of God. 

He has arrived at that point wljere he never 
calls this matter in question. He has experience 
of the truth of God's word. He knows that it is 
true, because he feels that it is true. Others may 
tell him that he is in the dark, that he has been 
misled by false teachers, that the Bible is the work 
of designing men, that its doctrines are false, and 
that it is a well-arranged forgery; but he knows 
that he can not be mistaken, for he has experience 
of its power and influence, and knows, thereby, that 
there is something about it which must be super- 
natural. 

For instance, it is represented as a word of light, 
and he realizes that his mind is enlightened; as a 
word of power, and his hard heart has been broken 
by this power ; as a word of mercy, and his sins are 
all pardoned; as a word of comfort and joy, and 
he has "joy and peace in believing." And now 
he believes the Bible to be the word of God ? not 
(264) 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE REVELATION. 265 

from the external and internal evidences of its 
truth alone, but from an experimental knowledge 
of that truth. And to such an one the Bible will 
invariably be a source of happiness. 

Being confident of its truth, satisfied with its 
claims to inspiration, he feels that he has nothing 
to do but to walk in its precepts. Having taken 
the Bible for his guide, he rests assured that Grod 
will protect and sustain him, according to his pro- 
mise, in all the ills of life. And in his last expir- 
ing moments, he expects to gain the victory over 
his enemies, and to live finally with the angels of 
God in heaven. And do you ask, why this confi- 
dence, this reliance, this bright and cheerful hope 
of immortality, in this world where all is dark and 
gloomy? We answer, that he believes the Bible 
to be the word of him who can not lie, and he, 
therefore, expects to realize the fulfillment of his 
promises. 

The infidel, however, occupies altogether differ- 
ent ground. From false teaching, improper exam- 
ple, and immoral influences, among other things, 
he discredits the Bible, and professes to believe 
that the movements of nature are, and should be, 
the only guide for man; and tries to satisfy him- 
self that he is right. But oh! how his mind is 
troubled, and how weak his faith in the principles 
of infidelity ! He has conversed with his infidel 
associates, examined their writings, and tried to 
persuade himself into the opinion that he can get 
along well enough, and yet disbelieve the Bible. 
But ever and anon, he meets with something 
which weakens his confidence in the principles of 
infidelity, and confirms the truth of the Holy 
Scriptures, until, at times, he is ready to exclaim : 
"Almost I am persuaded co believe the Bible!" 
For, although he professes to be infidel in his sen- 
timents, he has no assurance as to the correctness 
23 



266 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

of such sentiments; and hence his doubts and 
fears that the Bible may be true. 

He knows, if the Bible is true, that he occu- 
pies the wrong ground; that he is a sinner ex- 
posed to ruin; that he is responsible to his Creator 
for his conduct; and that he will soon have to 
stand at his bar: and yet he is unwilling to re- 
nounce his infidelity, and to believe in the doc- 
trines and practice the precepts of God's "Word. 
And now he must find something to satisfy his 
mind, and quiet his conscience. To effect this, 
he shuns conviction as to the inspiration of the 
Scriptures, and endeavors to convince himself that 
the doctrines of infidelity stand upon a solid basis. 
He feels that if he can but be convinced that this 
last statement is true, that he can, without fear- 
ing the consequences, pursue the path of sin; en- 
joy the pleasures of the world; gratify all his 
natural appetites and passions; and, at the same 
time, have no dread on his mind in reference to 
the future. And if the young reader will but 
examine this matter carefully, he will perceive 
the reason why there is so much infidelity in the 
world. It often originates in a desire to throw 
oft* all restraints imposed by religious obligations, 
that they may feel free to commit sin without the 
fear of punishment, which can not be done by an 
individual who believes the Bible. 

Here we see one of the principles of that false 
philosophy, which prompts a man to oppose the 
doctrines of the Bible, and to endeavor to show 
that it is not the Word of God. It is simply to 
give quiet to his troubled mind, while he pursues 
a course directly opposite to its teachings. But 
notwithstanding the efforts which have been made, 
especially in the last eighteen hundred years, to 
show that the Bible is not an inspired volume, the 
truth is clearly demonstrated to all, except those 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE REVELATION. 267 

who have determined not to believe that "all 
Scripture is given by inspiration of G-od." 

To establish this point more fully, and, in the 
mean time, to return to the subject immediately 
under consideration, we notice the moral tendency 
of the Scriptures as evidence of their truth. 

Wherever a knowledge of the Scriptures is dif- 
fused among the people, its tendency is to pro- 
mote morality and virtue. No one, we think, can 
doubt the truth of this proposition, if he has but 
observed the difference between those who are 
favored with the teachings of the Bible and those 
who are not thus favored. The absence of reli- 
gious knowledge, either in a community or nation, 
almost necessarily implies a low state of morals. 
You have but to look abroad in the world to see 
the truth of this declaration verified. Wherever 
the doctrines of the Bible are not taught and 
understood by the people, you will find invariably 
that they are selfish in their dispositions; unjust 
in their dealings with each other; unchaste in 
their habits; disposed to gratify their natural 
propensities; and are, in fact, inclined to every 
species of vice. While, on the other hand, wher- 
ever the Bible is known, and its authority recog- 
nized, its tendency is to purify the heart, to raise 
higher the standard of morality, and is thus, upon 
a large scale, conducive to the happiness of man. 
This, we say, is universally the case, in all nations 
and countries, where the precepts of the Bible are 
taught and understood by the people. 

And are we sustained by the history of the 
Sacred Scriptures in the position which we have 
here assumed? We affirm that we are; and here 
again defy infidelity to produce a single instance 
to the contrary. What was the condition of the 
Jewish nation, as well as the surrounding nations, 
at the time that Chirst commenced preaching his 



268 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

own "everlasting gospel?" They were in a state 
of darkness and degradation. "What is the con- 
dition of those nations and countries at the pre- 
sent day, who have not the light of revelation to 
guide their feet into the path of virtue and reli- 
gion? They have no correct ideas of morality, 
and are living in the practice of some of the most 
degrading habits and vices that the mind of man 
can conceive; and that, too, after every system of 
morality and philosophy that man's wisdom could 
devise had been tried to the utmost. 

Now, if the Bible, wherever its light is diffused, 
tends directly to elevate the condition of such as 
have just been referred to — if it purifies the heart, 
controls the natural desires, checks the inclination 
to vice, and betters man's moral condition in every 
sense of the word — it must be divine in its origin. 
And that it produces these effects no reflecting 
man will deny. 

" Let the blessed results of Christian faith, evinced 
in the lives and deaths of its true professors, be con- 
trasted with the unfruitful works of darkness which 
is unrelieved by a ray of light from heaven. Let 
the generous and expansive love, the zealous and 
untiring benevolent labors, and the self-denying 
and devoted faithfulness of the Christian be com- 
pared with the selfish and contracted tempers, the 
fierce and vindictive passions, and the degrading 
sensuality or deceitful dealings of the best of 
heathens. Above all, let the peace, security and 
triumph of the feeblest of the feeblest sex, in the 
feeblest hours of human frailty, under the appall- 
ing approaches of man's most terrible enemy, be 
set against the dim uncertainties, the gloomy fore- 
bodings, and often fearful premonitions of despair, 
which have signalized the dying hour of the caviler 
and skeptic; and with all objections to this path, 
reason compels the exclamation, ' Let me die the 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE REVELATION. 269 

death, of the righteous, and let my last end be 
like his.' " — Evidences of Christianity. 

"No candid man will deny that, in countries 
where religion flourishes, the tone of moral feel- 
ing is much higher than in those where it is com- 
paratively unknown ; nor can it be denied that, in 
Christian churches, a much higher standard of 
morals is maintained than in the world. How 
rare a thing is it to find a member of a Christian 
church in a jail or penitentiary! And who, let 
us ask, are the foremost and most zealous op- 
posers of immorality in all its forms? Are they 
infidels or Christians?" — Ibid. 

Another evidence of the truth of the Bible is 
its tremendous influence on the character and 
manners of mankind. 

Its influence upon nations, in these respects, is 
truly wonderful. Look at those nations which 
have paid due respect to the precepts of the Bible 
in framing the constitution of their country, en- 
acting their laws, and in establishing their insti- 
tutions. How mild and yet how efficacious such 
institutions and laws, and how beneficial such gov- 
ernments! How different, in all these respects, 
from such as are to be found in all nations which 
have not the Bible, and know nothing of its 
precepts ! 

"Where, among all cotemporary nations, will 
you find a form of government which can bear a 
comparison with the inspired and equitable code of 
the Jewish Theocracy? Study, then, the^ subse- 
quent history of governments, and you will find, 
that since the dawn of the Christian era, wherever 
the principles of civil and religious liberty have 
prevailed, wherever public order and personal 
safety, the just authority of government, and the 
highest immunities and welfare of the governed 
have been combined, there tihe influence of the 



270 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

Bible has been proportionally felt and acknowl- 
edged. There have been despotisms, it is true, 
under the name of religion; but where tyranny 
puts on this mask, it is always careful first to put 
out the light. ' Christianity/ says Montesquieu, < is 
a stranger to despotic power. 5 'Religion/ says De 
Tocqueville, ' is the companion of liberty in all its 
battles and conflicts, the cradle of its infancy, and 
the divine source of its claims/ England owes to 
the Bible the great charter of its liberties. And 
our own republic stands this day unexampled in 
the history of the world, simply because it is a 
land of Bibles. Take away the influence of this 
book from our wide-spread country, and how long 
would it be, under the necessary and rapid degen- 
eracy of public morals, before the decisions of the 
ballot-box would give place to the decisions of the 
sword, the prerogatives of right to the powers of 
might, law to lust, government to anarchy, and 
anarchy to despotism." — Evi. of Chris., page 54. 

Look also at the influence of the Bible on man 
in a social point of view. Wherever its commands 
are properly appreciated, you find better citizens, 
better neighbors, better husbands, and among all, 
a greater regard for each other's welfare and hap- 
piness. 

Finally, on this point, look at its influence on 
the character and movements of individuals. 

Do you see that individual, as he passes along 
the public way? Why are his eyes fixed on the 
ground? Why is his countenance so dull, and 
why so many expressions of sorrow? Why is 
there so little energy, and so much awkwardness 
manifested in all his movements ? He is a stranger 
to the Bible, and to the manners and customs 
which have been fostered under its influence. But 
look at that other individual. He has a brilliant 
eye, a cheerful countenance, an intellectual face, a 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE REVELATION. 271 

lively appearance ; lie is graceful in his movements, 
and seems to be full of life and energy. And do 
you inquire, why this difference? We answer, 
that the latter was raised in a land of Bibles. A 
land where educational enterprises meet with en- 
couragement, where the people realize their re- 
sponsibility to the Creator of all things, and where 
they are taught that if they will obey his com- 
mands, all will be well with them in time and in 
eternity. And are all these things true of the 
Bible ? If so, it must have been dictated by infi- 
nite wisdom. 

Another evidence of the truth of the Bible, is 
its power to convict and convert the soul. 

Wherever its truth is fully revealed to the mind, 
conviction for sin is invariably the result produced. 
No man can read the Bible carefully, and with a 
desire to understand it, without seeing, as in a 
glass, his true condition, and that, too, when he 
does not desire this. When he is not examining 
the scriptures with the view of realizing his con- 
dition, but, on the other hand, to prove to himself 
that he is already in the right way, conviction will 
flash across his mind, and he will be fully prepared 
to view himself in the proper light. The Bible 
will tell him the truth in regard to his condition, 
and leaves on his mind no doubts in reference to 
it. No man who will read the Bible with care, 
can be at a loss to determine as to the relation 
which he sustains to the Author of all things. 

But the Bible, unlike the various and false sys- 
tems devised by men, does not leave him to mourn 
over his condition without any hope of relief, but 
shows him how he may obtain pardon, and is a 
sure guide to every man. Look at the case of the 
poet Cowper, as an illustration of this point. In 
looking at his own condition in a moral point of 
view, he clearly saw that he was wrong; that he 



272 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

was not prepared for death, or for the solemn real- 
ities of eternity. To obtain relief, and to feel a 
coneiousness that all was well, he tried every 
method which man's wisdom conld devise, but 
was still left in donbt. He looked to infidelity 
and morality, to human learning and philosophy ; 
but all to no purpose, for he found no relief. 

He then turned his attention more especially to 
the study of the Scriptures, determined, if possible, 
to solve the all-important question, ""What must 
I do to be saved?" He had pursued this course 
but a short time, before his eye fell upon that pas- 
sage, in the third chapter of the book of Romans, 
which shows so clearly how "God can be just, 
and yet the justifier of him that believeth." By 
a new and powerful perception, he saw a beauty 
in the plan of salvation, and the wonderful adap- 
tation of that plan to his condition, as well as to 
the condition of the whole human family. He 
saw how, by faith, in the promises of the Bible, 
man could obtain pardon, and enjoy peace of mind. 
He took hold of these promises, and at once found 
the desired relief, and realized that "joy which is 
unspeakable and full of glory. 7 ' And the conso- 
lation of that hope which is "full of immortality 
and eternal life." 

"Well may it be asked of the Bible, "Who can 
record its victories of moral power and beauty? 
Who can rehearse its mighty achievements, its 
delightful transformations? Its influence has not 
been impaired by the lapse of ages. Its power 
is not limited to any country, or clime, or color, 
or tongue. Everywhere it diffuses light, and 
liberty, and joy, and blessedness. Surely we 
may exclaim with holy rapture, 'Thy word is 
truth/" 

We design, however, before we close this lecture, 
to notice some of the objections which are fre- 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE REVELATION. 273 

quently urged by infidels against Christianity and 
against the Bible. 

Infidels, in the first place, attacked the evidences 
of the truth of the Christian religion, and endea- 
vored to show that there was no proof of its di- 
vine origin. In this attempt, after repeated efforts, 
they failed. The evidence of the truth of revealed 
religion was so clear, and so positive, that they 
were compelled to retreat from the contest, and 
adopt some other method by which to accomplish 
their design. They now manifest their opposition 
to Christianity in general, by bringing up a long 
list of objections. But a few simple illustrations 
will make it appear, that they have been equally 
as unsuccessful in this attempt as they were in the 
former. 

Infidels object to the Bible, from the fact that 
some of the peculiar doctrines which it contains, 
are mysterious, and, as they say, " contrary to rea- 
son." Hence they maintain, that " where mystery 
begins, religion ends." This objection is met by 
B."M. Smith, when he says, " This objection is er- 
roneous : for nothing is so mysterious as the eter- 
nity and self-existence of a God; yet, to believe 
that God exists, is the foundation of all religion. 
"We can not comprehend the common operations of 
nature; and if we ascend to the highest depart- 
ments of science, even to the science of demon- 
stration itself, tlie mathematics, we shall find that 
mysteries exist there." 

" Mysteries in the Christian religion, instead of 
being suspected, should rather be regarded as a 
proof of its divine origin ; for, if nothing more was 
contained in the New Testament than we previ- 
ously knew, or nothing more than we could easily 
comprehend, we might justly doubt if it came from 
God, and whether it was not rather a work of 
man's device." 



274 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

Said Sidney Smith, " To a schoolboy, Newton's 
philosophy may be above reason, but can not be 
said to be opposed to his reason, for on account of 
ignorance and immaturity, his reason can not be 
exercised in its principles." And again, after re- 
ferring to various operations in the machinery of 
nature, he says, " yet who doubts the existence of 
the natural world, and that of himself, or the facts 
adverted to, however wonderful, because they in- 
volve mysteries? He, indeed, who rejects any doc- 
trine of revelation or revealed religion itself, on 
account of mysteries, must, to be consistent, cease 
all mental and physical efforts. The farmer must 
cease to sow, the mechanic to labor, and the philo- 
sopher to reason, till they fully comprehend the 
inexplicable wonders of the earth, the body, and 
the mind. "We must too, reject all natural reli- 
gion. Is the Trinity incomprehensible? The om- 
niscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, yea, self- 
existence of a great First Cause, are no less so/' 
Thus we perceive that this objection, though re- 
peatedly urged, amounts to nothing, so far as our 
faith in revealed religion is concerned. 

And we would say to all young men, that when- 
ever the infidel tries to shake your faith in the 
truth of the Bible, by contending that a u revela- 
tion which contains mysteries is a contradiction," 
you may easily get clear of them by showing that 
the Bible reveals the existence of God, but not how 
he exists. That he created all things, but not how 
he created them. That he now sustains all things, 
but not how he sustains them. That the Divine 
Spirit enlightens the mind of man, but not how it 
operates to produce this effect, besides various 
other illustrations of the same idea. 

Another objection to Christianity, as a system 
of revealed truth, is as follows : 

" Christianity claims to be a universal blessing 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE EEVELATION. 275 

to mankind, and if so, why is it so slow in its 
operations, and why is it that so few of the in- 
habitants of the earth, are in possession of its bene- 
fits V? We answer, that if Christianity comes to us 
attended by evidence which may be relied upon, 
after the most minute investigation of all its claims, 
the fact that all others are not in possession of its 
light, nor in the enjoyment of its blessings, is rather 
a poor argument against its truth. 

For the same objection might be urged with 
equal force against various other systems, the prac- 
tical utility of which, no one pretends to doubt. 
The science of medicine and civil government, may 
be given as examples. Diseases of various kinds 
have often been arrested in their progress by the 
skillful application of medicine, and a high state 
of civilization, is the result of judicious laws, pro- 
perly administered. But the fact that many com- 
munities and nations are deprived of the benefits 
of both, is no argument against the utility of either. 

It is very evident that the Divine Being could 
have adopted some method, by which the princi- 
ples of Christianity might have been more rapidly 
disseminated among the nations of the earth, but 
he saw proper not to do so. He prefers to carry on 
his plans, which are to secure the happiness- of man 
in a spiritual point of view, by human agency. 

Indeed, says B. M. Smith, " none will require the 
universal reception of Christianity, as either an 
evidence of its divine origin or an argument for 
its purity ; for where it has been fully published, 
it has not been universally received, and unless 
free agency were destroyed by an enforcement ef 
its claims, in the present state of things, we see no 
reason to expect such a reception. This conceded, 
whether a minority or majority have received it, 
is not very material. But we have reason to be- 
lieve, that a much larger number will ultimately 



276 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

appear to have been benefited than the objection 
intimates. The present and past generations of 
men may constitute a minority of the whole race. 
What are yet to be the effects of Christianity, we 
know not. Probably they will exceed all former 
experience. "When then, to Christian adults, we 
add the vast millions of infants interested in the 
atoning blood of Christ, and the healing power of 
the divine spirit, it is possible a vast majority of 
the human family will have been found partici- 
pants in the blessings of the Gospel." 

" But," says the infidel, " we can show from his- 
tory that there was a period when men were en- 
tirely debarred from all freedom of opinion upon 
religious subjects, when this intolerance was mani- 
fested in the most cruel persecutions, by an art- 
ful and cruel priesthood who governed and who 
pillaged the world." 

All this, we reply, may be true. But are we jus- 
tifiable in concluding, from this fact, that Chris- 
tianity is a system of falsehood ? Is every thing to 
be considered bad in itself, because it is capable of 
being abused ? If so, liberty among the American 
people should not be so highly prized. For in many 
instances, it has been woefully abused. Education, 
wealth and power may be put down in the same 
category. In fact, intellectual, moral and scientific 
knowledge may be opposed upon the same ground, 
for no one, we suppose, will doubt but what they 
have, at times, been converted into instruments of 
evil, by men who were incapable of appreciating 
the benefits of either. There is scarcely a good 
principle either in law, science, or morals, but what 
has, at some time, been turned out of its proper 
channel by mistaken zeal or by evil design. 

Admitting, then, that there was a time in the 
dark ages, when the principles of Christianity 
were not understood, when its adherents were 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE REVELATION. 277 

bigoted, intolerant, and unfeeling in their disposi- 
tion, it still has nothing to do with the truth of 
revealed religion. The object is not so much to 
show what Christianity was at this or the other 
time, but to show what its spirit and tendency is 
at the present day. 

Its genuineness does not depend upon the con- 
duct of those who profess to be governed by its 
principles ; for let them do as they may, it is still 
unchanged as to its character and tendency. The 
best set of men that the world ever saw could not 
make it true if it is false; nor could the worst 
make it false if it is true. 

" If," says 8. Smith, " it can be shown that 
there is any thing in the Christian religion neces- 
sarily connected with bigotry and intolerance, this 
objection would be pertinent and powerful ; but 
to suppose that a Christian is a bigot now, because 
there were very few Christians who were not so 
three hundred years ago, is to suppose the exist- 
ence of principles and causes which every cool, 
unprejudiced mind perceives to have, long ago, 
lost their influence upon mankind." 

"No cause ought to be judged," says B. M. 
Smith, " by its corruptions and abuses. Immor- 
alities of Christians can not be charged on the 
system, till shown to proceed from its principles. 
But the purity of those principles is admitted in 
the charge, for Christians are criticised as much, or 
more, for want of conformity to the peculiar pre- 
cepts to their own religion, as thus common to it 
over the religion of nature. If persecution were 
of the spirit of Christianity, where this most pre- 
vailed that would most abound. But the reverse 
is notoriously true. Religious persecutions have 
uniformly resulted from the acts and motives of 
unchristian men ; and history attests, that those 
ministers or others, who have become tyrants over 



278 LECTURES TO YOUNG- MEN. 

the souls and bodies of their fellows, erected stakes 
and gibbets, founded the infernal dungeons, and 
contrived the cruel racks of the inquisition ; in 
other respects, forfeited all claims to be regarded 
as Christians. Isolated instances may be found, 
when, under the influence of evil example and de- 
praved public sentiments, or driven by oppression, 
men of undoubted Christian principle have turned 
aside from rectitude in these respects ; but perse- 
cution, and every harsh and cruel mode of propa- 
gating Christianity have ever been condemned by 
those who, in every age, have enjoyed the best 
reputation as Christians ; and the Bible not only 
does not teach, but most expressly denounces such 
practices." 

But we have extended this lecture beyond what 
we intended when we commenced it. But we 
hope the young reader will consider the import- 
ance of the subject treated of, and make due 
allowance. 

What we have said in the last three lectures, is 
designed to guard you against one of the worst 
of all evils, that of infidelity. 

We have noticed, as you have doubtless ob- 
served, only a few of the plainest evidences of 
the Christian religion, and have merely glanced 
at a few of the objections which are often urged 
against it as a system of divine truth. To set 
forth all the evidences of the divine origin of 
Christianity, and notice all the objections to it 
upon the part of infidelity, would require a large 
volume. Able writers have spent much time in 
collecting facts, which go to prove directly the 
divine authority of the Bible; and if you will 
candidly and carefully examine their writings, we 
have strong confidence in your being a firm be- 
liever in its truths, whether you practice its pre- 
cepts or not. 



THE BIBLE A DIVINE EEVELATIOlNr. 279 

Let us suggest that you read,, at your earliest 
opportunity, " The Jew's Letters to Voltaire/' 
" Home's Introduction to the Study of the Bible," 
" The Evidences of Christianity," consisting of a 
series of lectures delivered by distinguished min- 
isters, at Jefferson University, in the State of 
Virginia, "Watson's Conversation" on the Bible, 
and Bishop " Watson's Apology for the Bible," 
in a series of letters addressed to Tom Paine. We 
mention these books as being worthy of your 
special attention, from the fact that they are easily 
understood, and are sufficient to convince any un- 
prejudiced mind as to the truth of the Holy Scrip- 
tures. 

Let the young reader remember, that if Chris- 
tianity is true, it is " tremendously true." If the 
Bible be the Word of God, we are fallen and 
depraved beings, in a state of probation, and on 
trial for eternity. If the Bible be true, there is a 
place of future endless punishment, into which 
thousands and millions have plunged themselves 
by unbelief and disobedience. And we, if we 
pursue the same course, must meet with the same 
fate. While, on the other hand, there is a place 
of future endless happiness, where many of our 
friends now rest from labor, toil, and care ; and 
to this state of happiness we may attain, by using 
the means with which we are so abundantly fur- 
nished. To which place will you go? May an 
all-wise Being save you, by his providence, from 
the cheerless paths of infidelity, and direct your 
feet to the portals of eternal felicity. 



LECTURE XIV. 

THE NECESSITY OF INVESTIGATING THE SCIENCE OF 
CHRISTIANITY. 

Having noticed in the preceding lectures, some 
of the evidences of the truth of Christianity, we 
now design noticing, in a brief way, the necessity 
of investigating it as a science. 

However true it may be that Christianity is of 
God, however much it may have done, or may yet 
do for others, we shall never realize its advantages 
nor the fullness of its blessings, if we are so indif- 
ferent as to be ignorant of its principles. We 
should ever bear in mind, that to be ignorant of 
the laws of God, as revealed in the Scriptures, to 
be ignorant of his requirements, and of the duties 
which we owe to him as our Creator, will not ex- 
cuse us, in the day of punishment, for the violation 
of these laws, or for refusing to obey the divine 
commands. For, in respect to these things, we are 
favored with the means of information. 

We often wonder how the young men of this 
country can, as a deliberate matter, content them- 
selves in a state of almost entire ignorance of the 
Bible, when they have so many opportunities of 
being familiar with its teachings, for how often 
does the inquiry arise in the minds of ail reflecting 
young men, what is to be our condition after we 
have passed away from the shores of time ? Are we 
to live again in another state of existence ? If so, 
what is the nature of the life which we shall live 
after the present life shall close? What relation has 
the present life to the future ? Will that be a life of 
endless joy and happiness, or a life of misery and 
(280) 



INVESTIGATION OF CHEISTIANITY. 281 

wretchedness ? Can we do any thing in this life 
which will affect our future condition ? If so, how 
shall it be done? How shall we act so as to please 
God? How obtain the pardon of sin, and be pre- 
pared for happiness in a future state of existence ? 
Oh ! how important are such inquiries ? 

Upon all these points, Christianity, as revealed 
in the gospel of Jesus Christ, gives us all the in- 
formation we need. They are made so plain, 
"that the wayfaring man, though a fool, need not 
err therein." 

It reveals to us what infidelity never has revealed, 
and never can reveal, that though we die, we shall 
be raised from the dead, and, without doubt, shall 
live forever. And more than this, it tells us that 
provision has been made for the salvation of all 
men. It tells us also, that by walking in all 
the commandments of God blameless, and by ap- 
proaching his throne in a proper manner, that we 
can do something here, which will affect our con- 
dition in the future, something which will make 
that future life one of endless happiness. And 
shall we not pay more attention to a system which 
gives satisfactory information in regard to all these 
things, than to all the systems in the world beside? 
Surely you will see the propriety of so doing. 

But young men should endeavor to know whether 
Christianity is true or* false, as a matter of satisfac- 
tion to themselves; whether they are much con- 
cerned about being governed by its precepts or not. 
If you have made up your mind to pursue a certain 
course, irrespective of the truth or falsehood of the 
Bible, you ought still to be acquainted with its 
teachings. For if you are voluntarily ignorant of 
its principles, you give evidence that you have de- 
termined to walk in the dark in preference to the 
clearest light, on the one hand, or on the other, 
that you fear that investigation might induce you 
24 



282 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

to change your mind. You should always be will- 
ing to come to the light, however distinctly it may 
reveal to you your deformities and imperfections. 
Whatever may be your opinions, you should be 
open to conviction, and should always be ready to 
renounce erroneous ideas, when> by investigation, 
you learn that they are such. 

But then you can not judge as to the truth or false- 
hood of the Christian religion, until you have inves- 
tigated its claims to be of divine origin. Thrown, 
as you may expect to be in a country like this, 
among men whose opinions vary so much on this 
subject, it is necessary that you should have well- 
defined and established opinions of your own, and 
they should be the result of close investigation, 
formed, too, after mature deliberation. If not, 
your mind will perpetually be unsettled. You will 
often find yourself halting between two opinions. 
Sometimes satisfied with your condition, then 
again doubting as to the results of the course 
which you are pursuing. Whether Christianity 
be true or false, men, as a general thing, feel more 
interest in regard to it, than they do in regard to 
any thing else. And this, too, whether they give 
us an expression of their feelings or not. 

As a general rule, men spend their views quite 
freely on this subject; some contending that the 
Bible is true, others that it is-false. And while we 
listen to them, we shall, if we are still in the dark 
by inattention to its teachings, find ourselves in- 
clined first to one side, then to the other. In look- 
ing at this fact, we have often thought that men, 
who occupy just such ground, are the most miser- 
able men to be found in the world. 

Further upon this point, we are fully persuaded, 
in our own minds, that no man would oppose the 
religion of the Bible, or doubt the justness of its 
claims^ if he would pay proper attention to the evi- 



INVESTIGATION OF CHEISTIANITY. 283 

dences of its truth. We have long been satisfied 
as to the correctness of the position here assumed. 
But as we intend noticing this point more particu- 
larly in another part of this lecture, we will only- 
state at present, that there are so many instances 
which go to establish the fact just stated, that we 
are at loss to know how any candid man can, for 
a moment, doubt as to its correctness. 

You are, doubtless, acquainted with individuals 
who were once opposed to the Christian religion. 
They seemed to be, and doubtless were in earnest, 
and thought, like St. Paul, " that they ought to do 
many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Na- 
zareth/' They were fierce in their attacks, bold in 
their declarations, and reckless in their conduct. 
Now, however, they occupy different ground alto- 
gether. Instead of opposing Christianity, they are 
trying to advance its interests in the world. In- 
stead of saying it is false, they positively declare it 
to be true. Instead of trampling upon its precepts 
they delight in being governed by its teachings. 

Well, why, we ask, such a change? ¥e answer, 
that something has been said or done which ar- 
rested their attention, and directed it to the evi- 
dences of the truth of Christianity. They have 
examined its claims, and are, as the result of such 
examination, satisfied as to its truth. 

It may be said, we know, that such men have 
hypocritically professed Christianity from prospects 
of temporal advantage, and, therefore, they are 
not sincere in their pretensions. But w^e ask, 
what right have we to say that such men are dis- 
honest now, and that they were honest before the 
change here referred to? If we are to speculate 
about this matter at all, we are bound to say that 
it is much more probable that they were dishonest 
in the former, than in the latter condition. For 
in renouncing infidelity, such men are renouncing 



284 LECTUKES TO YOUNG ME1ST. 

long-cherished opinions, and are adopting notions 
to which they have long been opposed. Hence it 
is reasonable to suppose that, in adopting such 
opinions, they must have been satisfied as to their 
correctness after diligent examination. 

We know not that we can more forcibly illus- 
trate the importance of investigating the doctrines 
and the evidences of the truth of Christianity, 
than by noticing some things which lead directly 
to infidelity; and we wish the young reader to 
notice particularly this part of the subject. 

We remark, first, that a want of information 
leads to a disbelief in Christianity. 

We do not mean to say here that ignorance as 
to science, natural philosophy, civil government, 
and the like, lead to infidelity, although this may 
be true in many instances; for a man may be 
ignorant of all these, and yet be a firm believer 
in the truth of the Bible. But we do mean to 
say that to be ignorant of the Bible, and the evi- 
dences of its inspiration, does lead to unbelief, 
and to all its concomitant evils ; and you will find, 
by examination, that nine out of ten who profess 
infidelity are ignorant of the Scriptures. 

It is true that such men read the Bible, hear 
sermons, and listen to lectures and conversations 
on the various topics of Christianity, and have 
every opportunity of becoming familiar with its 
principles, but they pay but little attention to 
them. They do not see the great importance of 
looking carefully into such things; and the result 
is, they are almost entirely ignorant of them. 
Their minds have been running all the time upon 
something else. From the days of their youth, 
they have been earnestly engaged in seeking for 
worldly distinction. They have a strong desire 
to climb to the highest pinnacle of fame, to live 
above the common masses of mankind, that they 



INVESTIGATION OF CHRISTIANITY. 285 

might thereby secure the praise of men; or they 
have been engaged in perplexing business all their 
lives, trying to secure to themselves a vast fortune, 
that they might live in ease and splendor; or else 
they have suffered themselves to become bewil- 
dered in pursuit of worldly pleasure, and have 
been trying to drink at all its streams, and to 
secure happiness by following their natural in- 
clinations ; and, consequently, " they have neither 
ability, inclination nor leisure to enter into critical 
discussions concerning the truth of Christianity." 

And now, how easily may such men be deceived 
by the advocates of infidelity, and cheated out of 
the faith which was taught them by their fathers ! 
At first they seem startled on hearing any objec- 
tion to the truth of the Christian religion, for they 
have always been taught to believe that it was 
true; but as they, from a want of examination, or 
from ignorance of its doctrines, and of the evi- 
dences of its truth, are unprepared to answer the 
objections which are urged by infidels, they at 
once suppose they are mistaken in their views, 
and are ready, without reflection, to join in with 
those whose object is to pull down the strong- 
holds of Christianity. 

Now, this is not the case with those who pay 
attention to the doctrines of the Bible, and to the 
evidences of its truth. Says Mr. Watson, a close 
observer of such things, "It is a singular fact, that 
wherever the Book of God is least known, there 
is the most infidelity. The most accute infidel 
that ever wrote against Christianity confessed that 
he had never read the New Testament through. 
When measures were adopted, by a band of in- 
fidels, to spread their own principles throughout 
Europe, in what countries had they the greatest 
success? Where the Bible was kept from the 
people; in France especially, where they were 



286 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

predisposed, by their national habits, to receive 
any kind of fashion, if communicated by wit and 
ridicule— infidelity spread extensively. Attempts 
were made in our own country ; infidel books were 
widely circulated. If we have been, in a great 
measure, preserved from this pestilent fashion, it 
is because the truth of God has been more gene- 
rally known, and that because it has been more 
faithfully preached and taught, not only in our 
pulpits, but in our schools and families. I know 
that infidelity had some success ; but it was chiefly 
among those who had never had the advantage 
of Christian education. 

Again, the mind of the individual who has 
never investigated the science of Christianity, is 
subject to erroneous impressions, which are in- 
jurious in their tendency, from the fact that they 
lead ultimately to a rejection of the Bible. 

This has already been intimated in the pre- 
ceding part of this lecture, but deserves to be 
noticed more particularly. If you would realize 
fully the truth of this proposition, examine the 
history of those who are now confirmed infidels, 
and see how easily they were led astray at the 
start, and how slender the foundation upon which 
they now stand. This man is an infidel, in senti- 
ments and in practice, because his father disbe- 
lieved the Bible, and said it was written by men 
who w^ere uninspired, but never stopped to inves- 
tigate the matter, and to see whether his father 
was right or wrong in his opinions. That one is 
an unbeliever in the Bible, from the fact that an 
associate of his, in his younger days, was in the 
habit of declaring that the Bible was a forgery, 
from beginning to end; quoting, it may be, at the 
same time, the language of some writer who was 
as ignorant of the Bible as he who made the false 
declaration. 



INVESTIGATION OF CHRISTIANITY. 287 

Having too much confidence in the judgment 
of his ^associate, he has never examined the evi- 
dence of the truth of the Bible, and is entirely 
ignorant of the fact that it was given by inspira- 
tion of God. A third will tell you that he is an 
infidel, from the fact that he has investigated the 
doctrines of the Christian religion, and. can find 
no evidence of its truth. And yet, if you will 
question him closely, you will soon perceive that 
he has examined the writings of infidels only, 
and that he has left untouched the clear and 
positive evidences of its truth. And so we might 
go on, if it was necessary, but we forbear. 

A striking instance of what has just been said, 
occurred a short time since, not far from where 
we now write. An infidel, on board of one of 
our western steamers, was loud and clamorous in 
his abuse of the Bible. He was asked, finally, if 
he ever read the Bible. He answered that he had. 
His objections to it were then called for, and his 
reply was, "it contains a great many falsehoods;" 
and then gave, as an instance, the following: "The 
Bible says that Moses lived before the flood; and 
yet it represents him as giving a detailed account 
of all its particulars:" and then, with an air of 
triumph, asserted that these contradictory state- 
ments were set forth in the Bible. I^ow, let the 
young reader remember that this infidel had said 
that he had read the Bible, and he will at once 
be able to decide wdiether he had read it carefully 
or not, when he is told (though he has learned 
this before) that the Bible emphatically represents 
Moses as living after the flood, and was, of course, 
capable of giving a correct account of all that oc- 
curred in connection with it, so far as it was neces- 
sary for man to be informed in regard to it. 

But we should investigate the science of Chris- 
tianity that we may avoid the influence of preju- 



288 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

dice, whicli leads directly to infidelity in its worst 
stage. We say in its worst stage, because the 
mind under its influence, stubbornly resists the 
light of divine truth. 

Prejudice, in fact, is one of the worst evils that 
ever afflicted the mind of man. A young man 
may be inclined to infidelity from ignorance, from 
inattention to the teachings of the Bible, from 
improper influences and examples in the days of 
his youth, or from evil communications, and yet 
his mind may be open to conviction; and by an 
examination of the truths of the Christian reli- 
gion, he may be brought back from the error of 
his ways. But when the mind is completely un- 
der the influence of prejudice against the teach- 
ings of the Bible, it is with the greatest difficulty 
that such an one can be brought to yield to its 
claims. Nothing less than an array of facts and 
evidences which amount almost to positive demon- 
stration can induce him to renounce his infidelity, 
and practice the precepts of Christianity. 

Look, for a moment, at the evils of prejudice in 
the minds of those who profess to be seeking ear- 
nestly for the truth. Many of them go so far as 
to doubt the necessity of revealed religion alto- 
gether. They assume the ground, for want of 
information, that reason is sufficient to direct men 
into the path of happiness, especially when it is 
enlightened and assisted by the works of nature; 
and, therefore, maintain that man has no use for 
the Bible. 

But, if they would but open their eyes and ex- 
amine this subject carefully, they would soon per- 
ceive that the greatest philosophers, and the most 
profound students, unassisted by the light of inspi- 
ration, have been unable to discover the true 
character of the Divine Being, or the way that 
leads to holiness. Four thousand years had passed 



INVESTIGATION OF CHRISTIANITY. 289 

away, before the Christian era, and surely in this 
time the world had been fairly tried; at least to 
a sufficient extent to convince any man who will 
reflect properly, that without a revelation from 
God, man would have been in the dark in regard 
to matters of the greatest importance. 

But then, such men doubt the existence of ex- 
perimental religion in the human heart. 

They consider it to be fanaticism, the result of 
diseased or fanciful imagination; and treat those 
who profess to enjoy religion with contempt. Now 
suppose such men would pause and reflect; first, 
upon the number and character of those who do 
profess and have professed to enjoy religion. And 
secondly, that they had no temporal advantage in 
view in doing so. And lastly, that they adhered 
to it more firmly than ever in their dying hour — 
that hour when it is reasonable to suppose that 
men will be honest. If they would do this, would 
not their views and feelings undergo a change? 
Would they not see the inconsistency of the views 
which they now entertain. 

But one of the most prominent reasons for in- 
vestigating the science of Christianity, is, that a 
fair and candid examination of that subject, will, 
in most instances, produce conviction as to its 
divinity. 

After paying a good deal of attention to this 
subject, we are well satisfied that an investigation 
of the doctrines and the evidences of the truth of 
Christianity, will lead to a firm persuasion of its 
divine origin. Thousands who are now opposed 
to Christianity, to the Bible, to the Christian min- 
istry, and to the Church, with her peculiar insti- 
tutions and ordinances, would cease to oppose any 
or all these, if they could but be induced to lay 
aside their infidelity long enough to investigate 
the evidences that Christianity is of God. 
25 



290 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

To exemplify the happy results of investigation, 
we may notice the case of Nathaniel, as given in the 
first chapter of the Gospel of St. John. He was full 
of prejudice against Christ and against the doctrines 
of the Gospel, and doubtless, tried everyway, as did 
the rest of the Jews, to convince himself that Christ 
was a mere man; knowing that if he could suc- 
ceed in this undertaking, he need have no further 
uneasiness in regard to the precepts of his Gospel. 
In the meantime, Philip, a friend of Nathaniel's 
became convinced that Christ was the true Mes- 
siah ; that he was, in a word, the Saviour of the 
world. Shortly afterward, he findeth Nathaniel, 
and said unto him, "We have found him of whom 
Moses in the law and the prophets did write." In 
other words, "I am convinced that Christ is the 
son of God, and that his doctrines are true. Na- 
thaniel's prejudices were immediately aroused, and 
we hear him inquire, " Can any good thing come 
out of Nazareth?" Philip seemed to know from 
experience something of the results of investiga- 
tion, and said to Nathaniel, "Come and see." 
That is, come and see, and hear, and examine for 
yourself. 

Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him, and said 
of him, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom 
there is no guile." Nathaniel is at once aston- 
ished; and doubtless inquired in his mind (for he 
begins now to investigate), how does he know 
that I am without guile or hypocrisy? How 
does he know that I am in earnest? How does 
he know any thing about the state of my mind? 
Hence, we hear him inquire, "Whence knowest 
thou me?" Said Jesus, "Before that Philip called 
thee, while thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw 
thee." Here he was convinced that Christ knew 
his heart. That he was in the presence of an 
infallible Being. And at once, conviction flashes 



INVESTIGATION OF CHRISTIANITY. 291 

across his mind ; he renounces his unbelief in the 
Divinity of Christ, and we hear him exclaim, 
" Thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of 
Israel." 

We give another instance which may be said to 
be twofold in its character, and is of more mod- 
ern date. We refer to the case of Lord Littleton 
and Mr. West. They were noted infidels of their 
day, and were in the habit of opposing Christian- 
ity to the utmost of their ability and influence. 

On a certain occasion they met together, whether 
for the purpose of building each other up in the 
principles of infidelity, or for some other purpose, 
we are not advised. Be this as it may, the result 
of their deliberations was, a determination upon 
the part of each, to make a renewed and vigorous 
attack upon the evidences of the truth of the Chris- 
tian religion. They intended to show to the world, 
that Christianity was fabricated by man's ingenu- 
ity, and deserved to be driven from the earth as 
a grand imposition upon the human family. 

Each one selected his proposition. West, if we 
remember correctly, (one of them at least,) selected 
the resurrection of Christ, Lord Lyttleton, the con- 
version of St. Paul. The first felt confident that 
he could prove that the story of Christ's resurrec- 
tion was a forgery. The second, that he could de- 
monstrate that St. Paul, on his way to Damascus, 
saw no supernatural light, heard no supernatural 
sound or voice, but was deceived on the one hand, 
or misrepresented the case on the other. Having 
thus arranged things, they appointed a time to meet, 
and put their essays together, and publish them to 
the world. They separated, and each one applies 
himself to his task. 

In imagination, we see Mr. West investigating 
the truth of Christ's resurrection. In vain, does 
he look for a contradictory statement, or for some- 



292 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

thing upon which to predicate his belief that the 
evangelists were a set of liars. The further he ex- 
amined the " story" of the resurrection, the more 
clearly does he see that Christ did arise from the 
dead on the third day after his crucifixion. He dis- 
tinctly saw that the apostles had given a true and 
faithful account of the resurrection of their Master; 
and his mind was completely overwhelmed by the 
power of divine truth. He yielded to his convic- 
tions, and was soon a soundly converted man. And 
now, instead of writing an essay against Christian- 
ity, he writes one in favor of its truth ; and his 
theme is, " now is Christ risen from the dead, and 
become the first fruits of them that slept." And 
his arguments, in favor of the truth of Christ's 
resurrection, will never be refuted while time 
itself shall endure. 

But how of Lord Lyttleton, and what was the 
result of investigation in his case ? Was he changed 
from an infidel to a firm believer in the Christian 
religion by an examination of the circumstances 
connected with the conversion of St. Paul ? We an- 
swer that he was. And he made that the principal 
theme in writing an essay in defense of the doc- 
trines of the Bible, the influence of which never 
can be destroyed by the wit, satire, or the hatred 
of the infidel world. 

They met at the appointed time ; but O, what 
a change in their feelings and designs; in their 
hopes and desires, since their last meeting ! Their 
essays were published to the world in book form, 
copies of which may be found both in Europe and 
America. 

In this example, the young reader will not fail 
to see the great importance of investigating the 
doctrines of Christianity. For in many instances 
all depends upon it. We might give many other 
instances of the mighty changes which have been 



INVESTIGATION OF CHRISTIANITY. 293 

produced in the minds of millions of individuals by 
an examination of the principles of the Christian 
religion ; but those already given, will, we hope, 
be sufficient. 

Now, young reader, remember that you are in a 
state of probation, surrounded by those whose ex- 
ample and influence, if you are not very much on 
your guard, will lead you astray. Look well to 
your principles, and see that they are well founded ; 
that they are in accordance with the truth as re- 
vealed by the great " I am." And above all, seek 
for that wisdom which cometh down from above, 
and it shall safely guide you to everlasting life. 

We will close this lecture in the words of Amos 
Binny, when he asks, " where do you hear the 
Bible contemned, and its authority spurned ? It 
is among the ignorant and vicious. "Where does 
it receive unmeasured insult and scorn, but in gam- 
bling-houses, tippling-houses, and other evil places? 
Who are they that sneer about the indelicacies of 
the Bible, but those whose imagination and heart 
are predisposed to such things ? The Bible is not 
unchaste, but a consuming fire to all iniquity. This 
is the true reason why unjust, profane, and impure 
men complain of it. As, therefore, the difficulty 
with unbelievers is one of the heart, not of the in- 
tellect, never be inclined to dispute with them about 
the evidences of Christianity. In examining the 
subject of its evidences ourselves, we should, first 
of all, ask the question, " am I willing to become 
all that Christianity requires, provided it can be 
proved to be from heaven? Whoever can answer 
this question in the affirmative, will find every ob- 
struction to the fullest faith removed." 



LECTURE XV. 

ON BEADING THE SCRIPTURES. 

Having noticed some of the evidences of the 
truth of the Bible, we think it not out of place 
to present to the mind of the young reader some 
considerations which should induce him to read 
and study its contents. 

The present may be said to be a reading age. 
Any and everywhere throughout our country, as 
well as in our cities and larger towns, you will 
see evidences of the fact, that the people are in 
the habit of reading; and especially is this the 
case with the more sober classes of society. Some 
read for pastime, others for amusement. Some to 
gratify a propensity for things novel in their char- 
acter; others, that they be prepared to defend, 
successfully, some particular theory in politics or 
theology. It is to be regretted, however, that so 
few among those who have acquired a taste for 
reading, read those books from which the most 
solid and useful information is to be obtained. A 
large majority of those who read, are fond of 
perusing the light and trashy productions of the 
day, which, for the moment, excite the mind be- 
yond proper bounds ; and if not injurious in their 
tendency, produce no good effect. 

But what is most of all to be regretted, is, that 
the Bible, at the present day, is, comparatively 
speaking, almost entirely neglected by the gener- 
ality of the people. How few, in this land of 
religious privileges, may be said to be Bible read- 
ers! "We speak here, not of infidels or practical 
unbelievers, but of those who believe the Bible to 
(294) 



01ST READING THE SCRIPTURES. 295 

be the Word of God. How many young men 
are to be found in this country, who, although 
they have had every opportunity of being familiar 
with the Scriptures, are almost as ignorant of their 
contents as if they had never seen them ! Talk 
to them of novels and literary productions, of 
science and new inventions, and, especially, of 
politics, wealth, and fashions, and of all these 
they seem to have, at least, a general idea; and, 
with a few exceptions, it is proper and right that 
they should have correct ideas of such things. 

But talk to them of a book which reveals to 
man the existence and character of the Supreme 
Ruler of the universe, the duties which they owe 
to him and to their fellow-beings, and it may be 
said of thousands of the young men of this country, 
all that they know is, that there is a book gener- 
ally recognized as being of divine authority. If 
they lived in a land of heathenism, where the 
Bible is scarcely ever seen or heard of, they could 
readily be excused; but situated as they are, in 
this respect, they are without any excuse what- 
ever, if they are ignorant of its teachings. 

We often meet with persons, who seem to be 
surprised that there is so little virtue and so much 
vice in a country where there is so much learning, 
science, and philosophy, and, especially so many 
religious institutions. They seem not to under- 
stand why it is that the people are so wicked in 
their dispositions, immoral in their conduct, and 
unjust in their dealings with each other; where, as 
they suppose, there is so much to induce them to 
be otherwise. We know, that as to religious light 
and knowledge, we have the advantage of many 
other nations and countries. But the principal 
reason why there is so much infidelity, error, im- 
morality, discord, and unfair dealing, as well as so 
many political dissensions, and, in a word, so much 



296 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

irreligion in this highly-favored land, is, that the 
masses of the people do not read the Bible. They 
are not governed by its precepts, nor influenced, 
as they should be, by its teachings. 

And if ever the institutions of this country come 
to nought, and her glory departs, and her beauty 
and greatness are destroyed, her ruin, in a poli- 
tical, moral, and religious point of view, may be 
attributed mainly to a neglect of the teachings of 
the Bible. While we need have no fears as to our 
destiny as a nation, as long as the Word of God. 
is our guide, its principles properly appreciated, 
and while its precepts exercise their legitimate in- 
fluence upon the minds and conduct of the people. 

Having made these general remarks, we notice, 
particularly, some of the reasons why young men 
should regularly and carefully read the Bible. 

In the first place, you should read the Scrip- 
tures, because they are one of the principal safe- 
guards against infidelity. 

This fact has been noticed, to " some extent, in 
another lecture, but deserves a passing notice in 
this. 

Infidelity can not live where the Bible is read 
and understood. In fact it is a rare occurrence to 
find a professed infidel in a community where the 
doctrines of the Bible are generally received. And 
if an advocate of infidelity goes into such a com- 
munity, confident that he will be able to maintain 
his infidel principles, he will see, in the devotional 
feelings manifested by the advocates of religion, 
the piety of their conversation, and the morality 
of their conduct, such strong evidence of the truth 
of the Scriptures, that he will feel that his prin- 
ciples are unsound, and that he has been, up to 
this time, woefully imposed upon by a worse set 
of impostors than he had formerly believed the 
authors of the Bible to be. 



OX EEADING THE SCEIPTUEES. 297 

The light of revelation is destructive to infidel- 
ity, wherever it may be found, no matter what 
may be the garb it has assumed, or what may be 
its form. 

Show us a young man who, in sunshine and in 
storm, in sickness and in health, in poverty and 
in wealth, has carefully and statedly read his Bible, 
and we will show you a young man who will feel 
himself degraded if he is classed among professed 
infidels. Infidels have long since found, that to 
convert such young men to infidelity is a very 
difficult matter. They may exhaust their wit and 
ingenuity, try their infidel books and periodicals, 
and all shall be carefully interwoven with science 
and philosophy, that its poison may not be detected, 
but the light of divine truth searches all things, 
and will always reveal the ruinous effects of infi- 
delity to the mind of that individual who will pay 
proper attention to it. 

As an illustration of this last statement, we may 
be allowed to refer to the case of a colored man, 
who lived in the western part of Virginia. He 
was, at the time here referred to, the servant of 
an inn-keeper. On a certain occasion, a noted 
infidel called at the inn, and, by some means, after 
he had been there a short time, he learned some- 
thing of the character of this servant, and of his 
unshaken confidence in the truth of the Bible. 
This infidel was untiring in his efforts to unsettle 
the faith of all who believed in the truth of re- 
vealed religion. Hence he must have a conversa- 
tion with this colored man. He inquired of him 
why he believed the Bible, and requested him to 
give him some evidence of its truth ; stating, at 
the same time, that he could not believe its doc- 
trines. The substance of the answer was, " You 
will find the evidence of its truth from the begin- 
ning to the end, if you will read it carefully. It 



298 LECTURES TO Youisra MEN. 

tells the truth on every page, and I now feel its 
power in my heart." The infidel soon left this 
servant to enjoy his own opinions and feelings, 
for he saw that he was too well acquainted with 
the Bible to be imposed upon by one who knew 
but little of its doctrines. 

Now we admit that men may read the Bible, 
and still be infidel in their sentiments; but this is 
very rarely the case when the mind of the indi- 
vidual is open to conviction, and when he is can- 
did in his investigations. 

Emerson, a noted infidel in his day, read the 
Bible regularly; but his object was, to show that 
one part contradicted another. A large portion 
of his time was spent in this way. But in the 
meantime, he paid no attention to its beauty, its 
harmony, the sublimity of its doctrines, or the 
evidence of its truth. If he had done so, his mind 
w r ould have been enlightened, and he would have 
seen the error of his way. But searching, as he 
did, for contradictions in the Bible, we are not as- 
tonished that he was so blinded by unbelief, as to 
rejoice, at the end of his labors, that his efforts 
had been crowned with success. 

If he had spent half the time in examining the 
evidences of the truth of the Bible, that he did in 
trying to convince the world that it w^as a human 
production, he would have been convinced that 
"all Scripture is given by inspiration of God." 

The same remark will hold good when applied 
to thousands of others. 

On almost every page of a book called the "Age 
of Reason," written by Thomas Paine, we find pos- 
itive evidence that he was entirely unacquainted 
with the teachings of the Bible. Take one in- ' 
stance as an example of his ignorance. He says 
that the Bible teaches that " Christ was on the 
earth only some four or five days after his resur- 



ON" EEADBTO THE SCEIPTUKES. 299 

rectiom" And yet, if the reader will turn to the 
beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, he will there 
find the following language: "Christ showed him- 
self alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, 
being seen of the Apostles forty days, and speak- 
ing of the things pertaining to the kingdom of 
God." Here you see that " instead of four, you 
perceive there were forty days between the cruci- 
fixion and the ascension." 

Many other examples of the same kind might 
be pointed out, but this should be sufficient to put 
you on your guard in reference to the writings of 
such men; and, at the same time, shows indirectly 
that a knowledge of the Scriptures is calculated 
to shield us from the withering effects of infidelity. 

Another reason why young men should read the 
Scriptures is, that they guard the mind against the 
influence of error. 

It is very important that we should, as far as 
possible, have correct views concerning all theo- 
logical and moral questions; if our ideas are con- 
fused concerning these things, we shall constantly 
be liable to be wrong. Ignorance, in any respect, 
is destructive of happiness, and more especially 
when applied to the Bible. To be ignorant of its 
teachings, is to live in total darkness, and to be 
the dupe of every impostor. You should remem- 
ber that " ignorance is the parent of vice," that it 
gives rise to more than one half the evils with 
which mankind is afflicted. And you should bear 
in mind, that it is an exceedingly difficult matter 
to be practically right, and theoretically wrong on 
any moral or theological question. 

To have correct ideas of the various objects 
with which we are surrounded in the natural 
world, of its government, and of the general and 
special providence of God; to have proper concep- 
tions of the philosophy of the human mind, its 



300 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

power to reason, its capacity. to understand and 
enjoy, we must understand the Scriptures. The 
voice of nature is never heard where the Bible is 
unknown. In countries where the Bible is not, 
God is excluded from the government of tlie 
world. " To them," who are destitute of its teach- 
ings, "it appears that one event happens to all. 
One nation rises, and another falls; and every oc- 
currence is either attributed to chance, to blind 
fate, or to the caprice of deities without wisdom, 
and without mercy." " But wherever the living 
oracles come, there every star, and mountain, and 
river, proclaims its glorious Maker/' 

It is by reading and understanding the Scrip- 
tures, that we are enabled to perceive clearly, the 
distinction between good and evil. 

What does mere human philosophy, unaided 
by the light of revelation, teach on this subject? 
How little did Plato and Socrates, Seneca and 
Solon, the illustrious Grecian sage, know of right 
and wrong? They were surrounded "by palpable 
darkness. Their glimmering rays of reason only 
made the darkness more visble, and confusion more 
confused." 

The most that such men could do was to guess 
that some things were to be avoided as being evil 
in their tendency, and that other things might be 
done as being conducive to the happiness of man. 
We have our philosophers and wise men at the 
present day, who profess to teach men the good 
and the right way. Their minds seem to pene- 
trate the secrets of nature, and to comprehend 
every thing that comes within their range. But 
when they leave the light of divine truth, all is 
darkness and confusion. Man, left to himself, 
never could have had correct ideas, either of good 
or evil. At every step through life, he would have 
been doubting and hesitating as to the course to 



OX READING THE SCRIPTURES. 301 

be pursued. But the Bible comes to us clothed 
with divine authority, and points with unerring 
certainty to the path which leads to present and 
eternal happiness. 

This idea is beautifully illustrated by Mr. Wat- 
son when he says : " Were we traveling in a foreign 
country, the very fruits of which were unknown to 
us; suppose some were poisonous and some good for 
food; and often that which was the most sightly 
and inviting to the eye was the most injurious; 
should we deem it any thing but an act of kind- 
ness in some inhabitant of the country to instruct 
us in the difference, and thus guard us from dan- 
ger, and minister to our security and enjoyment? 
God has done this for us. He hath in his word 
written on every thing about us, ' this is good/ or 
' that is evil/ And when he enjoins us to choose 
life, his authority is mercy: that rule is the ten- 
derest love." 

But, then, you should read and understand the 
Bible, that you may not be imposed upon by those 
who profess to be wise, and to be capable of teach- 
ing others what to do, when really they have but 
little regard for the Bible, and less for the welfare 
of man. 

There are now, as there were in the days of the 
apostles, a great many false teachers in the world. 
They are either ignorant of the Bible, or have 
some evil design in view, which leads them to 
depart from its precepts. Their principal object 
is to lead men astray; and unfortunately for the 
young men of this country, in many instances, 
they are but too successful. They profess to teach 
the truth, and nothing but the truth, and yet they 
" lie in wait to deceive " those whose minds are 
not well fortified by the influence of divine truth. 

In fact, there is a class of divines in this coun- 
try, as well as in various other portions of the 



302 LECTUEES TO YOUNG ME1ST. 

world, who make great pretensions to learning 
and piety, (we need not name the sect to which 
they belong,) and profess to teach the way of God 
perfectly, and yet it is evident, from all their 
movements, that they designedly teach that which 
is false, and, as far as they can, hide the truth 
from the minds of the people. Look well to this 
matter, and remember that the Bible is a sure de- 
fense against all false doctrines, and is a sure guide 
to truth. Make yourself familiar with its teach- 
ings ; and, in all difficult questions, let the follow- 
ing be your motto : " To the law and to the testi- 
mony : if they speak not according to these words, 
it is because they have no light in them." 

Man may err in judgment, and thereby pursue 
the wrong course; he may teach false doctrines, 
and thereby lead many astray; but that young 
man who takes the Bible for his guide, may feel 
assured that he is walking in the light of truth ; 
and that, if he will be governed by its dictates, 
it will illuminate his mind, rectify the judgment, 
give a new bias to the will and affections, shield 
him from the ruinous influences of error and im- 
position, and guide him at last to the land of 
eternal rest. 

But finally, on this point, young men should 
read the Bible, because it reveals to them every 
thing which bears directly or indirectly upon their 
present happiness and future well-being. 

"It reveals to us the true knowledge of the 
nature, perfections and will of G-od. It reveals 
to us the knowledge of man's original condition, 
his primeval state, his fall, and consequent misery 
and ruin. It reveals to us the way of our recovery 
by the intervention of the Lord Jesus Christ, as 
the Savior of the world. It reveals the character, 
offices, work and doctrines of the Redeemer. It 
reveals clearly the way of salvation. It reveals 



ON READING THE SCRIPTURES. 303 

to us the doctrines of the resurrection of the dead, 
and of an eternal state of future existence. It 
reveals the glories of the heavenly world as the 
dwelling-place of the righteous for ever. It re- 
veals a place of future woe as the punishment of 
the impenitent and ungodly." 

It really seems to us that this last reason should 
be enough to induce any young man to read the 
Scriptures, not only with care, but, also, with de- 
light, if there was no other reason that could be 
assigned. Contemplate the condition of those 
who, in regard to all the points enumerated in 
the above extract, have not the light of revela- 
tion to guide them. Their minds are filled with 
doubts. To them the future is all a mystery. 
Their minds are enveloped in the darkness of su- 
perstition. They are slaves to their own passions ; 
have nothing to console them in their hours of 
distress and misfortune, nor to point them to a 
better state of existence. 

But you should ever remember, that if your 
privileges and advantages are superior to those 
who are without a revelation from God, that your 
responsibilities are proportionally great. If you 
have the word of life in your hands, and are at 
last found in your sins, your account will indeed 
be terrible. 

But we design noticing briefly the grounds 
upon which many young men try to excuse 
themselves for not reading the Scriptures, and 
wish to show, at the same time, that such ex- 
cuses are entirely without foundation. 

We are told, by some of them, when we urge 
upon them the importance of reading the Bible, 
that the style in which it is written is out of 
date; that it is simply a dry detail of facts and 
occurrences, in which they feel but little interest; 
and, also, that there is nothing in it which is 



304 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

poetical, lofty and grand; and, therefore, they 
become tired while perusing its pages. 

We reply, first, that the design of the Divine 
Being, in giving us a revelation of his will, was 
not simply to amuse the mind and please the 
fancy, to gratify our curiosity, or to interest us 
by the beauty and sublimity of its style, but to 
enlighten the mind in matters of the greatest 
possible importance to man. It was to affect the 
heart; to subdue the passions; to inform the judg- 
ment; to elevate the affections; to regulate the 
desires and conduct; and, in a word, to guide 
man into all truth. 

But, after all, we remark that there is no book 
in the world which has a greater variety of style 
than is to be found in the Bible ; and as for beauty, 
purity and clearness, it is unsurpassed. The most 
interesting and touching narratives in the world 
are to be found in the Bible. Read, for example, 
the narrative of Joseph being sold by his brethren ; 
carried into Egypt; being made known to his 
brethren ; and where will you find any thing 
equal to it? 

And as to the poetry of the Bible, it surpasses, 
by comparison, any thing that can be found in 
the writings of our most celebrated poets, whether 
of ancient or modern times. If you have the op- 
portunity, and will examine some specimens as 
selected by Bishop Lowth and others from the 
writings of the prophets, you will perceive that 
nothing can be found in the writings of Milton, 
Shakspeare, Young, Scott, or any other uninspired 
poet, that is to be compared with them. 

" Poetry and elegance have ever found their 
finest models in the Scriptures, and the loftiest 
genius has not been ashamed to borrow its in- 
spiration from them. It is not undeserved homage 
to this sacred book to say, that philosophers and 



ON BEADING THE SCEIPTUKES. 305 

great men of other times lighted their torch in 
Zion, and the altars of learning caught their first 
spark from the flame that gleamed within her 
temple/ 5 

But others tell us that they can not understand 
the Bible when they read it, from the fact, that 
it contains a great many mysteries. 

But if you object to the Bible on this account, 
you may object to every book which treats of 
science, upon the same ground. There are mys- 
teries connected with almost every thing, both in 
the natural and spiritual world. And the fact that 
the Bible contains some passages which are a little 
mysterious, is no reason why they should be ne- 
glected by us. If the Bible contains some passages 
which the most cultivated minds can not fathom, 
it is strong evidence of its divinity, and we should 
be induced by this consideration, to read it the 
more carefully. 

A great deal of truth, as revealed in the Bible, 
lies on the surface of the sacred page, and may be 
easily understood by all. That individual who has 
the most unlearned and untutored mind, need not 
be at a loss to discover the duties that he owes to 
God and to his fellow-beings. There are other 
portions, however, which can not be correctly un- 
derstood without study and reflection, without a 
considerable degree of mental labor. And shall a 
young man study year after year to become master 
of the dead languages, to comprehend the most 
intricate parts of science and philosophy ; and then 
neglect to read the Bible because its meaning, in a 
few instances, can not be perceived at a mere glance ? 
And especially when we consider that worldly know- 
ledge is the object in one instance, and that divine 
knowledge is, or should be the object, in the other? 
We leave the reader to answer this question. 

That portion of the Bible which may be easily 
26 



306 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

understood by proper attention, will always be 
mysterious to the mind of that individual who 
neglects to read and study it. The safest and best 
way for a young man to get over the difficulties 
referred to in this proposition, is to read the Bible 
with a strong desire to come to a knowledge of 
the truth ; and very soon he will discover that al- 
though some portions of it are hard to be under- 
stood, more can be learned from it than from any 
other book in the world. 

Other young men excuse themselves for not read- 
ing the Bible, upon the ground, that it points out 
all their faults and imperfections, and brings them 
vividly before their minds. 

There are thousands of young persons who de- 
liberately refuse to read the Bible, to examine the 
sacred Scriptures, from this consideration only. 

On this ground, we remark, many rejected Christ 
and his doctrines during his stay on the earth. 
Hence we hear him exclaim, upon a certain oc- 
casion, " light is come into the world, but men 
love darkness rather than light, because their deeds 
are evil." And again, " they will not come to the 
light lest their deeds should be reproved." 

Among all the excuses which have been, or can 
be named, this certainly has the least semblance 
of reason. For to us it really seems that a stronger 
reason for reading the Bible could not be pre- 
sented, than the one which is here brought as an 
excuse for not doing so. 

The world is full of deception. And left to its 
teachings, man is ignorant of himself, and the lofty 
principles by which he should be governed. We 
should delight in reading the Bible then, not only 
because it tells us what to do, but because it points 
out our faults, and shows us how to avoid them. 
In a thousand ways we may be deceived. Learn- 
ing and science; the world with its charms and 



ON BEADING THE SCEIPTUEES. 307 

allurements ; false teachers by their flattery ; our 
nearest friends by winking at our faults, and even 
our own hearts may deceive us; but the Bible 
never does. 

This is one of the reasons why it should be 
dearer to us than any other book in the world, 
and read with more care and attention. It comes 
to all men alike, and leaves no sin unreproved. It 
does not flatter the king upon his throne, and cen- 
sure those who are in the humble walks of life. 
No. It says to the statesman and philosopher, to 
the rich and to the poor, to all every where, you 
are sinful, dying mortals. And your only hope for 
eternal life, is an humble trust in God, through 
the merits of his Son. 

And shall we refuse to read the Bible, because 
it tells us in plain terms of our faults ? Suppose 
you were guilty of some error which was calcu- 
lated to ruin your character, your standing in so- 
ciety, and your fortune in the world ; and you, at 
the same time, were ignorant of the fact. Would 
you not esteem that man as a friend who would 
tell you of this error, and thereby give you an op- 
portunity to avoid it in future ? This is what the 
Bible does for every man. And from this consid- 
eration, if from no other, we should carefully 
peruse its pages, whatever else we may neglect 
or leave undone. 

Finally, on this point, young persons endeavor 
to excuse themselves for not reading the Scrip- 
tures upon the ground, that they have not the 
time to do so. Some of them go so far as to say 
that their business engagements are such, that 
they are justifiable in neglecting them altogether. 

And is it not strange, that any young man who 
believes that the Scriptures reveal to us the will 
of God, the duties which we owe to him, the path 
which leads to happiness in this life, and to im- 



308 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

mortality beyond the grave, should urge, as his 
principal excuse, that he has no time to read them? 
Time for what? Why he has no time to study 
the will of the great sovereign of the universe. 
No time to study the history of the Savior of the 
world ; to study the plans of salvation as revealed 
in the Gospel; to study the philosophy of that 
religion which raises man from a state of wretch- 
edness and misery, to a state of joy and peace; 
to study how to live, and how to die ; nor to study 
the map of that delightful country where the an- 
gels dwell, and to which many of our friends are 
gone. O, how strange, how inconsistent ! Time 
for amusement and pleasure, time for business 
pursuits, time for fashion and folly, time to enjoy 
the pleasures of sin, time to associate with the 
wicked and with the unprincipled, time to study 
the arts and sciences, time to read newspapers and 
study politics, time to read novels, love stories, and 
all the light and trashy productions of a wicked 
age, and yet no time to read the Holy Scriptures. 
O, will not the young men of this country recon- 
sider this proposition ! 

How sad the reflection, that there are many 
young persons who so employ themselves, " in the 
various concerns of the present life," that they 
have but little leisure to study, examine, and medi- 
tate upon the truth which God has revealed in his 
word! There are many to be found of whom we 
might have expected better things, who, in regard 
to the Bible and religion generally, are nearly as 
ignorant as when they left Sabbath School, or laid 
aside their catechism. But we still hope and pray 
for a better state of things in this country. 

Various other obstacles to a proper examination 
of the scriptures might have been noticed, but it 
is time to bring our remarks on this subject to a 
close. "We had intended noticing, also, some of 



ON BEADING THE SCRIPTURES. 309 

the results of reading the Bible attentively ; but 
as this part of the subject has already, to some 
extent, been anticipated, we think it unnecessary 
to call it up again. 

A few practical observations, and we leave the 
subject with the reader. 

If you would have correct views of religion and 
morality — if you would know how to act in all 
the vicissitudes of life — if you would be guided, 
in all your worldly pursuits and business transac- 
tions, by the highest authority, you must have a 
knowledge of the Bible. Useful information may 
be gained from other books, and from other 
sources. We are not unmindful of this important 
fact; but, after all, this is second-hand knowledge. 
The Bible is the source and fountain of that light 
and knowledge which guides men to real and sub- 
stantial happiness. 

Some of the greatest men that the world ever 
saw have been the greatest students of the holy 
scriptures, and willingly confessed that a knowl- 
edge of them was indispensable, not only to a life 
of piety, but to the proper management of things 
pertaining to this life. Of this class we may men- 
tion Bayle, Burnet, Locke, Sir Isaac Newton, Ad- 
dison, Rollins, Watson, Dick, and a host of others, 
who, amid all their other studies, professional 
calls, and business transactions made it a point to 
secure sufficient time to read and study diligently 
the holy Scriptures. 

You, young men, are just starting into the same 
world through which they have just passed, to 
engage in its busy scenes, to meet with similar 
besetments, the same temptations, the same dis- 
appointments, and, probably, the same misfortunes. 
And if they found, after many years of experi- 
ence, with all their learning and wisdom, that 
nothing but the Bible is a sufficient guide to men, 



310 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

how can yon expect to sncceed without a knowl- 
edge of its teachings? 

There will be no period in your future history, 
let your days be few or many, but what you will 
be better prepared to act your part wisely, both 
in regard to yourself and others, by having a 
knowledge of the Bible, than you possibly could 
to be destitute of such knowledge. 

"Life lies before you, young man, all gleaming 
and flashing in light of your early hopes, like a 
summer sea. But, bright though it seem in the 
silvery sheen of its far-oif beauty, it is a place 
where many a sunken wreck and many a treach- 
erous quicksand have made shipwreck of immortal 
hopes. And calm though its polished surface may 
sleep, without a ripple or shoal, it shall yet be 
overhung to you by the darkness of the night, 
and the wildness of the tempest. And ah ! if in 
these lonely and perilous scenes of your voyage, 
you were left without a landmark or a beacon, 
how sad and fearful your lot. But, blessed be 
God, you are not. For upon the Rock of Ages 
there streams a light from the Eternal Word, the 
light that David saw and rejoiced; the light that 
Paul saw and took courage; the light that has 
guided the ten thousand times ten thousand that 
have already reached the happy isles of the blest. 
There it stands, the Pharos of this dark and 
stormy scene, with a flame that was kindled in 
heaven, and that comes down to us reflected from 
many a glorious image of prophet, apostle and 
martyr. Many a rash and wicked spirit has 
sought to put out this light, and on the pinion of 
reckless daring has furiously dashed itself against 
it, but only fallen stunned and blackened in the 
surf below. Many a storm of hail and fury has 
dashed wildly against it, covering it for a time 
with spray, but when the fiercest shock has spent 



OX READING THE SCRIPTURES. 311 

its rage, and the proud wave rolled all shivered 
and sullenly back, the beacon has still gleamed on 
hio'h and clear, above the raffing; waters. Another 
storm is now dashing against it, and another cloud 
of mist is flung around it, but when these also 
have expended their might, the rock and the bea- 
con shall be unharmed still. 'We have a more 
sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that 
ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a 
dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star 
arise in your hearts.' "When this promised time 
shall have come, when the dappling dawn shall 
have broadened and brightened into the perfect 
day, then, and not until then, shall the light of 
this sure beacon pale before the brightness of that 
day, whose morning is heaven, and whose noon- 
tide is eternity. But, until then, in spite of the 
false lights that flash upon our track, and gleam 
fitfully from billow to billow, our steady gaze and 
our earnest heed shall be to this sure word of 
prophecy, and the motto we shall ever unfurl to 
the winds shall be, 'the Bible, the Bible, the light- 
house of the world?" — Evi. Chris., page 301. 



LECTURE XVI. 

ON THE SABBATH. 

A majority of the people of this country are 
fully satisfied that the Sabbath was divinely in- 
stituted, and feel themselves under special obliga- 
tions to keep it holy. And it is thought by many 
of our most distinguished divines and theologians, 
as well as moral philosophers, that if it had not 
originated in the command of the Creator, it pro- 
bably would have originated with man as a matter 
of utility and necessity. 

Be this as it may, we are fully persuaded, that 
whatever may be the sentiments of the people in 
this country in regard to the law of the Sabbath, 
there is a growing tendency among them to ne- 
glect the requirements of this law. But a few 
years ago, the ministers of our holy religion, both 
in Europe and America, in their sermons and lec- 
tures, in their teachings, both private and public, 
were particularly careful to enforce upon the minds 
of the people the importance of observing the Sab- 
bath as a day of rest from the ordinary cares of 
life, and from the perplexities of worldly business; 
and, as is always the case under similar circum- 
stances, their labors among the people, in this 
respect, were not in vain. 

But, of late years, ministers seem to overlook, 
not the importance of the Sabbath as a day of 
rest, but the importance of urging the people, from 
time to time, to spend that day in the fear and 
service of God. And the result is, at least in this 
country, and we suppose it is the case in all other 
countries where this matter is neglected, that the 
(312) 



ON THE SABBATH. 313 

people have become careless about the law of the 
Sabbath and the teachings of the Bible generally, 
as to the mode of passing it. 

We find many persons in this country who have 
read and heard so little about the necessity of 
keeping the Sabbath day holy, about the manner 
in which it should be spent, that they seem not to 
realize the difference between the duties of this 
day and those of any other day in the week. And 
if they, on this day, suspend their ordinary occu- 
pations, and do not engage in any worldly pursuit, 
it is not so much from the fact that they believe 
it to be contrary to the revealed will of God to 
engage in such business on that day, but because 
the civil law will not allow them to do so. Here 
we may perceive the reason why so many persons 
engage in ordinary business transactions on this 
day, when they can do so without being observed 
by those whose business it is to execute the civil 
law. They are ignorant of the law of God, and 
of the rules and regulations which he has laid 
down in his Word in regard to this matter; and 
was it not for the influence of the civil law, their 
conduct, on this day, would not differ from the 
course of conduct pursued by them on any other 
day in the week. 

A few individuals are to be found in this country 
who maintain that it does not appear, from any 
thing that is said in the Bible on this subject, and 
especially in the New Testament Scriptures, that 
the law regarding the Sabbath is obligatory upon 
man at the present day; and that one day should 
be kept as sacred as another. They admit that 
the Jews, by express command of God, were bound 
to keep the Sabbath day holy; and that they could 
not violate this command with impunity. But, 
then, they maintain, that this law is no where 
enjoined by Christ on his apostles. 
27 



314 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

To such we reply, that the law regarding the 
Sabbath had been written by the finger of God, 
upon tables of stone, and delivered to the Jews, 
long before the days of Christ, and that law has 
never yet been repealed ; and, therefore, it was 
unnecessary for Christ or his Apostles to reenact 
a law which had been in existence for more than 
a thousand years. We remark, in addition to 
this, "that the observance of the Sabbath was not 
first enjoined at the giving of the law to Moses, 
but was instituted at the creation of the world, 
and became obligatory upon all the posterity of 
Adam, whether Jews or Gentiles, and a pledge 
of the kindness and good will of God to them." 
" The Sabbath was made for man, and not man 
for the Sabbath." The Sabbath was not made 
for any particular nation or race of people, but 
for the whole human family. 

We remark, furthermore, in the language of 
Mr. Watson, "that if the religious observance of 
one day in seven was necessary to man in his state 
of innocence, that he might be called from the 
lighter employments of dressing and keeping the 
garden, when no examples were near him, it is 
much niore necessary for us to be carefully ob- 
servant of that sacred day, who are in so much 
the greater danger of forgetting God through the 
influence of the manifold anxieties of life, and the 
more powerful circumstances of temptation in 
which we are placed." But one remark made by 
Christ should, we think, put this matter to rest in 
the mind of any individual who supposes that we 
are not now under obligations to keep the Sabbath 
day holy. Said he, " The Son of man is Lord 
also of the Sabbath day." ~Now it is perfectly 
unreasonable to suppose that he would claim to be 
Lord of that which did not exist. We sometimes 
fear that all disputes on this subject, upon the part 



ON THE SABBATH. 315 

of those who deny the divine obligation of Chris- 
tians to observe the Sabbath, are more from the 
heart than from the judgment. 

But the question is often asked, " How is it that 
we now observe the Sabbath on the first day of 
the week, and not on the seventh ?" 

To this we reply, that we know of no answer 
to this question which is more appropriate, and, 
at the same time, more logical and conclusive, 
than that given by Mr. Watson in his " Conver- 
sation." Says he, " thi« change of the day is to 
be traced up to the age of the Apostles, and must, 
therefore, be referred to their inspired authority. 
The first day of the week had this honor put 
upon it as being the day of the Lord's resurrec- 
tion from the dead. The substance of the law of 
the Sabbath, as found in the law of the ten com- 
mandments, which the Apostles repeatedly declare 
to be still obligatory upon Christians, is the observ- 
ance of one day in seven. The day itself is a cir- 
cumstance ; but even this circumstance was not 
left to private individuals to determine. The Sab- 
bath was ordained for public as well as private 
worship, and it was necessary that it should be 
observed by the whole community at the same 
time. The divine legislator of the Jews, therefore, 
specially directed that the first Sabbath kept in 
the wilderness should be calculated from the first 
day on which the manna fell ; and, among Chris- 
tians, apostolic authority fixed it upon the first day 
of the week, and gave it the expressive appellation 
of The Lord's Day." 

Having made these general remarks on the ob- 
servance of the Sabbath, we will notice, more 
especially, some things which are to be avoided 
by all who wish to spend this day in accordance 
with the teachings of the Bible. 



316 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

We notice, first, that all ordinary labor should 
be carefully avoided on this day. 

To decide correctly in our minds what may or 
may not be done on that day, it would be proper 
for us, as nearly as we can, to understand the great 
object which our Creator had in view at the time 
the Sabbath was instituted and blessed. 

The object contemplated on the part of Deity, 
at the time that " the Sabbath was made for man," 
seems to have been, that man might have time for 
reflection, for religious meditation, for the worship 
of God, and for the contemplation of those things 
which have a tendency to elevate the thoughts and 
affections of man to that which is spiritual and 
eternal in its character. 

Hence any thing which tends to check devotional 
feelings, to prevent us from worshiping God a in 
spirit and in truth," and to hinder those exercises 
which bring us into communion with the father 
of our spirits, must be avoided. Well if our 
thoughts, on this day, are occupied by the con- 
cerns of the world, and engaged in the transac- 
tions of worldly business, we shall have but little 
time for religious meditation or worship. 

It would be difficult to set down a set of rules, 
on this subject, which would suit every case, in 
view of the various and ever-varying circumstances 
with which men are surrounded. 

Many are to be found, in this country, who, al- 
though they profess to have great regard for the 
sanctity of the Sabbath, find it a hard matter to 
avoid " doing their own ways" on that day. It is 
true, they wish to make the impression that they 
would do nothing which would be a violation of 
the law of the Sabbath, and yet it may be observed 
during the week, that they are making arrange- 
ments for something to be done on the next Sab- 



ON THE SABBATH. 317 

bath, which is to be profitable to them temporally, 
and in the mean time wish to make it appear that 
it is a work of necessity. 

That gentleman, for instance, who has produce 
to send to market, will start his teams at such a 
time in the week that it will be necessary for them 
either to lay by during Sabbath, or to travel on 
that day, in order to return home. And yet, it 
would have been just as convenient to have started 
those teams earlier in the week, that they might 
have had sufficient time to return home and rest 
on that day. Merchants will sell goods to ser- 
vants on the Sabbath day, under the plea of neces- 
sity, when it would be an easy matter to induce 
their masters to allow them time, on any other 
day, to purchase such articles as they need. The 
physician arranges to visit a number of patients 
on Sabbath, during the hours for religious wor- 
ship, when he could have visited them some other 
hour, and have accomplished the same amount of 
good. And so of all other professions and trades. 
A vast amount of labor is performed on the Sab- 
bath day, under the plea of necessity, which might 
easily be avoided, and at the same time, no one 
would be injured, temporally speaking, while to 
avoid such things, many might be blessed in a 
spiritual point of view. 

With but few exceptions, all persons believe it 
to be their duty to visit the sick, and to minister 
to their wants as occasion may require. And yet 
it is, with few exceptions, the universal practice 
of the people in this country, to attend to their 
worldly business during the week, and visit the 
sick on the Sabbath. Now when this is done with 
the intention of saving time, it is decidedly wrong. 
Nearly as much so, indeed, as if they were to visit 
the sick during the week, and attend to their or- 
dinary business on the Sabbath, were it not for the 



318 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

influence of example in pursuing such a course. 
If we cease to labor on the Sabbath simply because 
the civil law forbids it, and rest on that day, not 
because God has commanded it, not because " it is 
delight unto us/' but because we are not allowed 
to do otherwise, we need not expect to be bene- 
fited in so doing. 

Now we know that there are circumstances un- 
der which we may attend to what may be termed 
ordinary business on the Sabbath day, and yet not 
be looked upon as violating the sanctity of that 
day. This is sufficiently indicated by the Savior 
of the world when he asks the question, ""Which 
of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, 
and will not straightway pull him out on the Sab- 
bath? 7 ' Here we see that any work, which is really 
a work of necessity, may be performed by us on 
the Sabbath. A merchant, who refuses to trade 
on this day, may sell clothing to an individual 
who, by accident or some sudden call, is destitute 
of necessary clothing. "A builder might prop a 
falling wall, but not proceed in the erection of a 
house," and so on. All persons are left to judge 
for themselves, whether this or the other call may 
be attended to, consistently with the rules laid 
down by Christ and his apostles regarding the 
Sabbath. 

If persons would, on the Sabbath, attend to 
those things only which may be lawfully attended 
to, and avoid all unnecessary labor, they would 
generally have time for reading and religious med- 
itation. But because the Savior of the world, in 
his teachings, allowed works of necessity to be 
performed on that day, there are thousands who 
take the liberty of performing any kind of labor, 
if they can make it profitable to themselves. And 
thus it is, that they wrest the words of the Savior 
from their legitimate meaning when he says, " If 



ON THE SABBATH. 319 

any of you have a sheep that falleth into the ditch 
on the Sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, 
and pull it out? A colored man once remarked, 
in commenting upon this passage of Scripture, 
"that it was not right to lift a sheep out of the 
ditch on the Sabbath day, if you have been trying 
all the previous week, to drive it into the ditch)' 
And we have often thought this a good illustra- 
tion of this passage which is so often brought for- 
ward by those who do not have a sufficient regard 
for the sanctity of the Sabbath. 

Again, there are quite a number of persons to 
be found, who, on the Sabbath day, allow their 
servants and beasts to rest, and all farming opera- 
tions to stand still ; or who close the doors of their 
shops, their office, or business-house, as the case 
may be, and yet they may be seen walking over 
their farms, drawing plats, and making calcula- 
tions as to the probability of success in their farm- 
ing operations for the year; or may be found in 
their counting-rooms casting up accounts, calcu- 
lating the sums lost, or profits made during the 
previous week ; or, on the other hand, their minds 
intently engaged in arranging some plan for their 
future operations. Now it may be possible for such 
men to do so, and yet maintain a devotional frame 
of mind, but we think it exceedingly doubtful. 

But let us admit that they can carry with them, 
in the transaction of such business on the Sab- 
bath, all their religious sentiments and feelings, 
which we think is impossible, their children and 
neighbors may be induced by their example to do 
the same things without any effort to be in a re- 
ligious frame of mind while attending to such busi- 
ness. Hence, the individual who attends to mat- 
ters of a temporal character on the Sabbath, which 
might be avoided, however trivial as to their im- 
portance, may be doing serious injury to others, 



320 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

however innocent lie may be as to any intention 
of doing wrong. 

To say the least of such a course, then, it would 
be much better employment for such persons to 
be found reading their Bibles, or some other good 
book which would lead them to think of their 
responsibility to their Creator, and their obliga- 
tions to serve him. And when such persons have 
the opportunity, let them go to the sanctuary of 
God. Here it is, on this day, they may hear 
something, if they are inclined to lay up treasures 
on earth, which may cause them to lose confidence 
in the stability of earthly things. However vig- 
orous and youthful such persons may feel, they 
may hear something which may cause them to 
think of disease and death, and of a coming judg- 
ment. And all will leave the place of worship 
better prepared for the duties and besetments of 
life, than if they had stayed away. 

But again, we should avoid all worldly amuse- 
ments, and trips for recreation on this day. 

Things which may be done quite innocently on 
any other day, may be quite sinful when done on 
this. 

It may be observed, that young persons in this 
country are getting very much in the habit of 
collecting together on this day, and taking pleas- 
ure trips, little excursions, voyages, and the like ; 
and many of them spend nearly all their Sabbaths 
in this way. The consequence is, they have but 
little time for serious thoughts or religious med- 
itation. Others spend their Sabbaths in reading 
amusing anecdotes, novels, love stories, secular 
newspapers, books of travels ; or such as give an 
account of startling events, hair-breadth escapes, 
and the like; but scarcely ever read religious 
books, or books of any kind, from which useful 
information might be obtained. Still another class 



ON THE SABBATH. 321 

of young persons meet together at some noted 
place in their neighborhood, to amuse each other 
by their witticisms, odd sayings and vulgar lan- 
guage ; or by making a display of their ability to 
discuss the various political questions of the day; 
or by wrestling, boxing, playing marbles, cards, 
ehecquers, or something else as bad, if not worse 
than any thing which we have named, and seem 
never to think of spending this holy day in the 
fear and service of their Creator. 

Now let all young persons contrast this method 
of spending the Sabbath with that which is pointed 
out by one of the inspired prophets, where he says, 
"If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, 
from doing thy pleasure on my holy day : and call 
the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, hon- 
orable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own 
ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speak- 
ing thine own words : then shalt thou delight 
thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride 
upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee 
with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the 
mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. — Isaiah, 58 
chap. 13, 14 verse. 

We leave the young reader to answer the fol- 
lowing question for himself: — Will it be better 
for him in life, in death, and in eternity, to spend 
the Sabbath in pursuit of worldly and sinful 
pleasure, or according to the direction given here 
by the inspired prophet? 

Again, vanity and pride, though always sinful, 
are to be carefully avoided on this day. 

All attempts to make a display of ourselves, or 
of any thing which we possess, on this day, is sin- 
ful; from the fact that in so doing, we are sure 
to violate the law of God in regard to it. 

To see the force of this last remark, we have 
only to remember that pride always leads to ex- 



322 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

travagance, and extravagance leads to unnecessary 
labor, and this to a neglect of the important duties 
that we should perform on that day. 

See that young man who, during the past week, 
has purchased for himself a fine horse, and elegant 
equipage for the same ; also a fine suit of clothing 
for himself, all arranged according to the latest 
style. He goes to church on the next Sabbath, it 
may be, spends there the hour set apart for divine 
service; and, it may be that he formally engages 
in the services of the hour; but all the time his 
thoughts are occupied about himself, his appear- 
ance, the impression he is making upon the minds 
of those around him; and how he is to manage 
so as to succeed in attracting their attention. 

We do not say of this young man that he had 
better stay away from church, than to go there 
and spend his time in this way ; but we do say 
that it would be much better for him if he would 
go quietly, and without any attempt at display, 
to the sanctuary of God, and engage earnestly in 
religious exercises, and let his thoughts be occu- 
pied about his moral condition, and his destiny 
beyond the grave. Let these remarks serve as an 
illustration of many other things which might be 
said on this subject. 

In the last place, on this point, visiting, as a 
source of gratification, should be strictly avoided 
on this day. 

Now, visiting the sick, the poor, and the dis- 
tressed may be done on this day, if it is necessary . 
for us to do so, in order to relieve their wants. 
But this is quite different from visiting as a mat- • 
ter of time-serving, or as a source of pleasure. It 
is visiting for the latter purpose which should be 
avoided. There are many young persons, as well 
as old, in this country, who seem not to think of 
visiting their friends and neighbors on any other 



OX THE SABBATH. 323 

day except the Sabbath; and their only reason for 
doing so is, that they are too busy on any other 
day. Their minds and bodies, during the week, 
are occupied about their business concerns ; hence, 
they select, for this purpose, the time which has 
been set apart especially for religious exercises. 
There are thousands of persons in this land of 
Bibles and gospel privileges, who spend most of 
their Sabbaths in this way. And we have often 
thought that if such persons would reflect seri- 
ously on the impropriety of their conduct in this 
respect, that they surely would avoid it in the 
future. 

Look for a moment at the consequences. Those 
who visit on this day, deprive themselves, to a 
great extent, of reading and meditating profitably, 
and of those devotional feelings which they might 
otherwise enjoy, if they would quietly remain at 
home ; and those visited by them are thrown into 
the same condition, and that, too, it may be, against 
their will ; for they, on this day, may greatly pre- 
fer to be free from company, that they may have, 
time for reflection ; time to think of the solemn 
realities of eternity. And now, when we add to 
this, that servants, as a natural consequence, are 
more closely confined and engaged than they should 
be on this day, and thereby deprived of privileges 
which they should enjoy, we think it enough to 
induce any man who will reflect as he should 
about the evils of this practice, to avoid it alto- 
gether. 

We might here, if we had time, speak at some 
length of those who spend this day fishing, hunt- 
ing, gaming, traveling, and the like; but these 
things are so manifestly wrong, and so much at 
variance with the teachings of the Bible as to the 
manner in which this day should be spent, that it 
is wholly unnecessary for us to say any thing by 



324 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

way of trying to make it more plain. Surely no 
individual, who reads the Bible attentively, will 
pretend to justify himself in doing such things on 
the Sabbath day. 

We notice, in the next place, some things that 
should be done on this day. A few remarks must 
suffice. 

First, we remark, that serious reflection is a 
very important duty to be performed on the Sab- 
bath. It is the duty of all men to spend at least 
a portion of this day in this way. 

We should reflect calmly upon our present con- 
dition. A chain of reflections, something like the 
following, should pass through our minds on every 
Sabbath ; and these should not be allowed to pass 
without leaving some good impression. What 
portion of my time has been spent in the service 
of God ? How much wrong have I done by my 
example and influence ? In what manner could 
I have spent my time, that it might have been 
more profitable to myself and to others in a moral 
point of view ? Have I better control of myself, 
my passions, temper, appetites, than I have had 
heretofore ? Am I better prepared to contend 
with the temptations of the world, and to walk in 
the path of rectitude and obedience ? And then, 
as to others : How is it with the community in 
which I live ? Is it improving in morals, or is it 
growing worse? Can I do any thing to benefit 
those around me, to elevate their condition morally, 
intellectually, and spiritually? Can I do any 
thing that will lead men to forsake the path of 
vice, and walk in the path of virtue ? If so, what 
is it, and how shall it be done ? 

Then, again, we should reflect that we are in 
a state of probation ; that we are transacting 
business for eternity ; and that, for all we say and 
do in this life, we shall have to give account at 



CXN" THE SABBATH. 325 

the judgment bar of God. We should reflect that 
our happiness in a future state, and, to some ex- 
tent, the happiness of others, depends upon the 
course which we pursue in the present life. Thus 
should we reflect on the Sabbath day. If not on 
that day, when then ? The young may reply that 
old age is the time for such solemn reflections. 
We answer, that to thousands of young persons 
old age will never come. Hence, if they neglect 
this duty while young, it is very probable that they 
will never attend to it. 

Another duty which should be carefully attended 
to on this day, is the public worship of God. 

Every individual, whether he be a professed 
Christian or not, should, on this day, if he has the 
opportunity, attend some place that is set apart 
for the worship of the Most High. Impressions 
are often made upon our minds in the sanctuary 
of God, calculated to make us better citizens, better 
neighbors, and better men, which never would be 
made at any other place, or under any other cir- 
cumstances. Said one who had paid a great deal 
of attention to this subject, " The public worship 
of God is the ancient and the sure guardian of 
human happiness; do not trifle with it as if it 
were of no avail. Justice, and faith, and mercy, 
and kindness flow from the altars of God. It is 
here that men learn to pity ; it is here that they 
are taught to forgive ; it is here that they learn 
punctuality in contracts, obedience to magistrates, 
submission to superiors, respect for laws, loyalty 
to kings; and there, above all, it is, that they 
catch the true spirit of the Gospel, which, melior- 
ating all things, makes submission to superiors 
voluntary, by rendering superiors gracious ; respect 
for laws natural, by making laws just ; the loyalty 
to kings pleasant, by making kings good." 

No man can regularly attend the place for reli- 



326 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

gious worship on this day, without being benefited 
to a greater or less extent, unless he is actuated, in 
so doing, by some improper motive. Nor can he 
neglect to do so, without becoming a worse man, 
although he may not, owing to this neglect, be 
able to see that he is growing worse. 

In conclusion, we would say, to the young espe- 
cially, that if you neglect the duties of the Sabbath, 
and refuse to keep it holy, you have no assurance 
of divine protection, nor of the blessing of God 
upon your efforts, either in a temporal or spiritual 
point of view, nor of entering, at last, into the 
abodes of the blest, around the throne of God. 
Follow not the example, then, of Sabbath pro- 
faners. Learn to spend this day in the fear of 
God. Remember the fearful consequence of spend- 
ing it in a trifling manner. The Divine Being 
will not allow his laws to be trampled upon with 
impunity. 

The Jews, for a long time, as a nation, disre- 
garded the laws of God respecting the Sabbath 
day, and he seemed to pay no attention to their 
conduct, at least so far as punishment was con- 
cerned. But when we remember that they, after- 
ward, spent the same length of time in captivity, 
in Babylon, which they had formerly spent in 
desecrating the holy Sabbath, we can clearly see 
that it is a dangerous thing to trifle with, or to 
neglect the commands of God respecting it. 

It may be that the calamities which we, as a 
nation, have had to endure, within the last few 
years, in the way of war, pestilence, and famine, 
have been sent upon us as a punishment for our 
neglect of the duties of this holy day. Be this as 
it may, every Sabbath that we spend, bears its re- 
port to the Judge of all the earth. And they will 
bear for us a good report, or render our account 
more terrible in that coming day. 



LECTTTKE XVII. 

A SERMON FOR THE YOUNG — ON THE NECESSITY OF 
DIVINE DIRECTION. 

"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward 
receive me to glory." — Psalms, Ixxiii: 24. 

It is evident from the language of the text, that 
the Psalmist was a firm believer in the doctrine 
of a particular or special providence. He advo- 
cates the doctrine that God not only upholds the 
world, and guides the affairs of nations and large 
communities, but that man, in an individual capac- 
ity, is as much the object of his care as the most 
imposing event that can happen, either to a nation 
or to the world. He taught that every individual 
who walks in the commandments of God, and puts 
his " trust under the shadow of his wings," might, 
with confidence, expect to be sustained by divine 
power, and directed by divine wisdom, however 
difficult his path, or formidable his enemies. 

There are many persons at the present day, who 
profess not to believe this doctrine, on the ground 
that it is derogatory to the dignity and character 
of God ; since it brings him clown, in the execution 
of his plans, to a level with finite man. They main- 
tain that if this doctrine be true, God is more 
liable to change than man himself. And that his 
plans and arrangements are always liable to be 
frustrated, from the fact that he must be doing 
and undoing perpetually, to suit the case of each 
individual. But we remark, that his general plans 
include individual cases. And, that it is just as easy 
for him to supply the wants of each individual 

(327) 



328 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

separately, as it would be for him to supply the 
wants of one man, if he stood alone in the world. 

We should guard well against those philoso- 
phers, who would have us believe that the Bible 
nowhere teaches the doctrines of a particular or 
special providence ; for it has its origin either in 
ignorance or unbelief. 

There is a kind of philosophy which wears the 
garb of Christianity, which excludes the Creator, 
as an active and efficient agent, entirely from the 
affairs of men, and from all those events that tran- 
spire around us both in the natural and spiritual 
world; and leaves man to look to the full develop- 
ment of some great principle or plan, that was 
arranged at the creation of the world for assistance 
and direction in his hours of gloom, distress, and 
misfortune. 

The advocates of this theory maintain that it 
is beneath the dignity of an all-wise Being to 
look upon human affairs ; and that he is constantly 
employed in watching the affairs of the universe, 
and the events which affect the interests of na- 
tions. But whatever may be taught on this sub- 
ject as the result of ignorance, unbelief, or false 
philosophy; this is not the doctrine of the text, 
nor, in fact, of any other portion of the Bible. 

The reason why so many oppose or disbelieve 
the doctrine of a special providence, or that man 
is specially protected and guided in this life by the 
hand of infinite wisdom, is, that they have not 
made themselves familiar with the principles of 
the divine government as revealed in the Bible. 
They can not conceive how the Divine Being, 
though infinitely wise and powerful, can control 
the machinery of the universe, keep the earth, the 
air, the waters, together with all the heavenly 
bodies within their appointed bounds, and, at the 
same time, guide each individual inhabitant of the 



NECESSITY OF DIVINE DIEECTION. 329 

earth and supply his wants by a special act, how- 
ever widely he may be separated from the rest of 
his fellow-beings, or however peculiar the circum- 
stances which may surround him. And as the 
ways of God, in this respect, are mysterious, past 
finding out, and beyond the reach of man to dis- 
cover, they are disposed to disbelieve this doctrine 
altogether; and vainly attempt to explain those 
passages of holy writ, which explicitly set forth 
the doctrine of a special providence, upon some 
other principle. And often, too, according to some 
theory which is at variance with reason and com- 
mon sense. 

The fact, that some of the doctrines of the Bible 
are mysterious, as shown in another lecture, is no 
reason why they should be disbelieved. For if 
we make it a point to disbelieve, when we do not 
fully understand, we would soon be in doubts in 
regard to almost every thing. We can not tell, for 
example, how water satiates thirst, or how the sun 
shines ; and yet, we do not doubt in regard to either 
proposition, however mysterious in its operation. 

The faith of the Psalmist, in the doctrine of a 
special providence, was strong. His confidence in 
the ever-watchful care of God toward those who 
put their trust in him, was equally so. With him, 
the truth of this doctrine was a matter of experi- 
ence. He knew that he was not mistaken, and 
that his confidence was not misplaced. He knew 
that there were circumstances connected with his 
own history, that could be explained upon no other 
principle than by referring them to the agency of 
an all- wise Being. 

He had several times despaired of his own life 
when pursued by Saul, by his own son, and by the 
enemies of the hosts of Israel, and saw that there 
was no chance, by any plan which man could de- 
vise, for his deliverance. But that in every in- 
28 



330 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

stance, however improbable, according to human 
calculation, he had escaped with his life. How, 
then, we ask, could he doubt the truth of this doc- 
trine ? How could he do otherwise than believe, 
that, from the time God had delivered him from 
the power of the bear and the lion while he was 
taking care of his father's flocks in the days 
of his boyhood, up to the time that he used the 
language of the text, he had been the object of 
the special care of that Being who sees, and knows, 
and controls all things. 

Many who deny the doctrine of a special, ad- 
mit, at the same time, the doctrine of a general 
providence. They can see, or at least profess to 
see, how it is, and why it is that one nation be- 
comes weak, and sinks to ruin; while another 
flourishes and becomes powerful, but can not tell 
why it is that this individual, though virtuous, 
lives in poverty and wretchedness; and the other, 
though he leads a life of vice and immorality, 
seems to enjoy all the blessings of life. Why one 
individual meets with a severe accident, while 
another, at the same time and place, and under 
similar circumstances, is uninjured. While really, 
it is just as easy to conceive how an all-powerful 
Being can protect an individual, as it is to under- 
stand how he guides and controls the interests 
of nations. 

The Bible, after all the vain and idle specula- 
tions of men upon this subject, gives us the true 
philosophy, the only reliable and correct analysis 
of this doctrine. It teaches that there is a govern- 
ment of nations it is true, but it teaches, also, that 
there is a government of individuals. This is clear 
from the language of one of the inspired writers, 
where he asks, "When he giveth greatness, who 
then can make tremble; and when he hicleth his 
face, who then can behold him, whether it be done 



NECESSITY OF DIVINE DIKECTION. 331 

to a nation or to a man only?" Are nations, then, 
in a state of tranquillity? It is God that giveth 
them quietness. Do we see one individual in ad- 
versity, and another in prosperity? "He putteth 
down one, and setteth up another." 

The Psalmist, in contemplating his past life, 
viewing the scenes through which he had passed 
in his childhood, the events of his riper years, the 
powerful influences which had been brought to 
bear upon his mind that he might be led to dis- 
trust the providence and goodness of God; and 
feeling that he was still the object of his care, 
says, " Thou hast holden me by my right hand." 
Then casting his eye toward the future, feeling 
that he was still dependent upon God for assist- 
ance, looking with fond anticipation to a world 
of light and joy beyond the scenes of mortal life, 
he says, in the impressive language of the text, 
"Thou shalt guide me by thy counsel, and after- 
ward receive me to glory." 

In directing the attention of the young reader, 
for a time, to these words, we notice, 

I. The necessity of divine direction. 

II. The means by which it is given. 

III. The great object in view, upon the part of 
Deity, in guiding man while he is in a state of 
probation. 

I. The necessity of divine direction. 

This will appear when we reflect that man is 
an imitative being. They are prone to imitate 
each other, and, in consequence of this, are liable 
to be led astray. Notice, as an illustration of this 
fact, the conduct of children, see how natural it is 
for them, in their hours of play and amusement, 
to imitate their parents, both in words and actions, 
and even other persons who are older and more 
experienced than themselves. This is so univer- 
sally the case, that we scarcely ever see an excep- 



332 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

tion. In addition to this, they have almost un- 
limited confidence in the judgment of their parents, 
and scarcely ever doubt as to the correctness of 
their views, or the morality of their conduct. If 
parents decide that any given proposition is right, 
it is very apt to be viewed in the same light by 
their children. And whatever may be the course 
pursued by parents, they are apt to be closely imi- 
tated by them. 

But this is true, not only of children, but of 
those who have come to the years of maturity; 
and especially in matters which pertain to man's 
immortal interests. See that young man who, for 
the first time, feels that he is a sinner in the sight 
of God, that he is without hope and without G-od 
in the world, who is led to exclaim, in the lan- 
guage of one of old, " What must I do to be 
saved?" who has resolved, as did the prodigal son, 
to go to his father's house. "What course does he 
now pursue? Does he go immediately to his Cre- 
ator for help in this his time of need? Does he 
go to his word for light and instruction in this 
hour of gloom? These are the steps that he should 
take, for the Bible is man's only guide in matters 
of this kind; and it leads him directly to the foun- 
tain for sin and for all uncleanness. The Bible 
alone answers authoritatively the important ques- 
tion propounded above, and gives entire satisfac- 
tion to all who will consult it. But then, this 
young man must try something else; and what 
does he do? He looks around among those who 
profess to be governed by the principles of Chris- 
tianity, and almost intuitively selects one as his 
guide, in whose judgment and piety he has the 
most confidence, and this man is to be his model. 

He reasons thus, in regard to this matter : This 
man enjoys the divine favor, and walks in the 
light of God's countenance. He is freed from the 






NECESSITY OF DIVINE DIRECTION. 333 

power and dominion of sin, and is now in the path 
which leads to life eternal ; and I will imitate his 
example, be governed by his views and sentiments, 
walk in his footsteps, and make him my guide in 
all matters pertaining to my salvation ; and surely, 
if he is right, I shall not be wrong. If he is a par- 
taker of the divine nature, I shall share the same 
blessings. If he conquers the last enemy, and 
shouts victory in his last expiring moments, I shall 
be equally successful. And if he finally lives with 
the redeemed around the throne of God, I shall be 
among those who will join in singing the song of 
redeeming grace and dying love in the presence of 
God for ever. 

Thousands of young men, from considerations 
like these, have followed, and are now following 
the example of their fellow-beings as a means of 
present and eternal happiness; but unfortunately 
for many of them, such guides will be their ruin. 
They have left the great source of light — the 
Bible — have closed their eyes to the indications 
of providence, and no longer listen to the calls of 
the Divine Spirit, and are following the example 
of those whose object, after all, may be to deceive 
others, and secure their own interest. Their hearts 
may be black with sin, and full of all iniquity. 

Now, if all, who profess the religion of the Bible, 
were " steadfast, immovable, always abounding in 
the work of the Lord," it would be safe to follow 
them as guides. But oh! how unstable is man? 
To-day we hear him say, as did Peter, "I will fol- 
low thee to prison and to death;" but to-morrow, 
with bitter oaths, we hear him denying his master. 
To-day, with sword in hand, he defends his mas- 
ter, but to-morrow, filled with doubts and fears, he 
follows him at a distance. Thus it is with man; 
he is too uncertain, too much inclined to vacillate, 
to be a guide for others in matters of so much 



334 LECTURES TO YOUNG MEN. 

importance. Well might the apostle say, on this 
subject, "They, measuring themselves by them- 
selves, and comparing themselves with themselves, 
are not wise." The best and wisest men in all 
ages have, at times, turned aside from the good 
and the right way. 

Here, then, we see the necessity of divine direc- 
tion. The necessity of a light which shines more 
regularly, a guide that is always right, and points 
in the same direction. 

Again, divine direction is necessary from the 
fact that man is a fallible being. 

The wisest of men are liable to err in judgment 
and to do wrong. If man is left to himself, to be 
guided by his own judgment and reason, in mat- 
ters pertaining to his salvation, he is very apt to 
"put light for darkness, and darknecs for light;" 
and is almost sure to deviate from the path of up- 
rightness. 

This is true of all men. They may be honest 
with themselves and all others, and may earnestly 
desire to come to a knowledge of the truth ; they 
may be willing to search for the right way, as for 
some hidden treasure; and yet there are so many 
sources of error in the world, so many things to 
blind the mind, and to hide the truth from their 
eyes, that if there is not some principal or agent 
to divest the mind of ignorance, and point out to 
them the path of duty, they are sure to have mis- 
taken views of the character of God, mistaken 
views of themselves, of the world, of the plan of 
human redemption, and of the means by which 
they may enjoy the peace of God, and be pre- 
pared to live with him for ever. 

But, in addition to this, men are not only liable 
to err, but inclined to do wrong. " Men love dark- 
ness rather than light." They love to enjoy the 
pleasures of sin, and are opposed to those influ- 



NECESSITY OF DIVINE DIRECTION. 335 

ences, brought to bear upon their minds, to guide 
them in the way which leads to peace and holi- 
ness. He may even see his error; he may feel 
that he is pursuing a course which renders him 
unhappy, a course which is contrary to the dic- 
tates of his better informed judgment; he may see 
that there is a path less rugged and more easily 
traveled than the one he is pursuing; and yet, 
under the influence of sin, being governed by his 
passions, he will yield to that which he knows to 
be wrong; and, beside this, there are thousands 
of inducements presented to his mind, which tend 
directly to lead him into error's path. 

The world presents its claims; infidelity, its 
sophistry; false philosophy, its deceptive errors; 
the voluptuary, his pleasing baits; and, last but 
not least, Satan, his delusions; all of which, when 
yielded to, are calculated to lead men to destruc- 
tion. See that young man who has just come to 
the years of maturity. He is in possession of a 
principle which must live parallel with the exist- 
ence of Grod; and the future destiny of that im- 
mortal principle depends upon his conduct while 
in the present state of existence. He is a fallible 
being, prone to be mistaken; he is a sinful being, 
inclined to do wrong. Now, if there is no divine 
influence exerted upon his mind; if there is no 
one " to hold him by the right hand " in all the 
vicissitudes of life ; if that Being, who giveth wis- 
dom to all who ask it of him, does not guide and 
sustain this young man by his power and wisdom, 
what must be the result? He will follow his own 
inclinations; walk on in darkness; live ind espair; 
and, finally, sink to eternal ruin. Said the pro- 
phet Jeremiah, while contemplating the condition 
of man, and his need of divine direction : " The 
way of man is not in himself. It is not in him 
that walketh to direct his steps." 



336 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

But we shall perceive the necessity of divine 
direction, when we reflect that man is prone to 
Phariseeism, or to depend upon his own righteous- 
ness for salvation. 

In every age of the church, from its organiza- 
tion down to the present period, man has been 
disposed to depend upon himself; to rely upon 
his own efforts; and, upon the performance of 
external duties, to recommend him to the divine 
favor. 

Look at that Jew, as he disfigures his face, 
that he may appear unto men to fast; or as he 
stands at the corners of the streets of Jerusalem, 
and makes long prayers, that he may be seen of 
men. See him as he stands in the temple, and 
says : " God, I thank thee that I am not as other 
men — extortioners, unjust, or even as this publican. 
I fast twice in the week ; I give tithes of all that 
I possess." Upon what principle does he expect 
to realize the peace of GTod that passeth all under- 
standing? He expects it alone upon the principle 
that he is externally righteous. He thinks not of 
the righteousness of the heart, nor of internal holi- 
ness; or if he did, it is not secured by going the 
round of external duties; such as fasting, formal 
prayers, and deeds of charity, which leave the 
heart untouched. True he desires the pardon of 
sin, but he is relying upon his own efforts as a 
means of securing it. 

During Christ's stay upon earth, the people were 
so much inclined to look to outward circumstances 
as a means of salvation, that he cautioned them 
against it in almost all his discourses, whether 
public or private. On one occasion, we hear him 
ask: "Why call you me Lord, Lord, and do not 
the things which I say?" And again: "Many 
will say unto me, in that day, Lord, Lord, have 
we not prophesied in thy name ; and, in thy name, 



NECESSITY OF DIVINE DIRECTION. 337 

cast out devils ; and, in thy name, done many won- 
derful works ? And then will I profess unto them 
I never knew you : depart from me, ye that work 
iniquity." And why shall such be rejected on that 
day? Because they depended upon forms, and 
ceremonies, and external acts of devotion to give 
them an entrance into life eternal. 

But is the case with man, in this respect, dif- 
ferent at the present day? Not in the least. Many 
are now to be found whose only hope of heaven 
is, they belong to the visible church; have been 
baptized in the name of Christ; observe his Sab- 
baths ; assemble at his ordinances ; meet together 
in his name; support his cause; and supply the 
wants of the distressed ; all of which may be done, 
and leave the principles of the mind unchanged, 
and the heart unaffected. 

How important, then, that we should have di- 
vine direction! How important that some super- 
natural influence should be exerted on the mind, 
to discover to us that forms and ceremonies, how- 
ever regularly attended to, will avail us nothing, 
if the heart is not right in the sight of G-od ! To 
teach us that religion is designed to affect the 
heart, to control the desires and affections, to 
regulate the thoughts and feelings, and to call 
into active exercise all the intellectual and moral 
powers of the man, so that soul, body and spirit 
may be consecrated as a sacrifice to God. 

Finally, on this part of the subject, we shall 
perceive the necessity of divine direction, when 
we consider the various systems and opinions 
which prevail among men respecting the means 
of salvation. 

How many different systems of religion are to 
be found in the world, and what an infinite variety 
of opinions are entertained by different men ! 

There is probably a greater variety of views and 
29 



338 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

sentiments among men, in regard to the means to 
be used that we may enjoy the favor of God, than 
any thing else. The result is, there are sects and 
denominations of Christians almost without num- 
ber. Each one, too, as a general thing, honestly 
and earnestly advocating and urging the claims 
of his peculiar creed. Let us suppose, then, that 
a young man is earnestly inquiring after the way 
of salvation, and that he is ignorant of the course 
that he should pursue; and let us suppose that he 1 
goes to the different teachers of religion for in- 
struction. This one points in this direction; the 
other in that; while a third says to him, here is 
the way, walk ye in it. Now, we ask, will he 
not hesitate ? Will he not begin to doubt ? Is he 
not liable here to take the wrong course? Yes, 
he may do more than this in this hour of gloom ; 
he may call in question the truth of the Christian 
religion ; he may conclude, if left to himself, that 
all are wrong; that there is no reality in religion. 
He may go so far as to conclude that the Bible is 
"a cunningly devised fable," or else all would en- 
tertain the same opinions, and be traveling in the 
same direction. 

Here again, we see the necessity of divine di- 
rection; of divine influence upon the mind, to 
enable us to see and to feel that whatever may be 
the opinions or condition of others, that we, while 
our hearts are renewed by the influence of divine 
grace, are wrong, and in the road which leads to 
death; to produce within a feeling of dissatis- 
faction, of discontent and uneasiness, until we 
yield ourselves to the commands of "the Holy 
One of Israel." 

II. "We notice in the second place, the means 
by which divine direction is given to man. 

Here we remark, that God does not confine 
himself to any particular method, but has as many 



NECESSITY OF DIVINE DIRECTION. 339 

ways as there are eircumstances surrounding man 
in the present life. There is scarcely an 'object 
around us, or an event that transpires within the 
bounds of our observation, but what is calculated 
to teach us some important practical lesson, if we 
will pay proper attention to it. The term " coun- 
sel," however, as used in the text, refers, more es- 
pecially, to the "Word, to the Spirit, and to the 
Providence of God. These are the means gene- 
rally used in giving man the instruction and direc- 
tion necessary to his happiness. 

God guides us by his word. 

We remark that the word of God is of univer- 
sal application, and is an infallible rule of faith 
and practice to all men. The learned and the 
wise may be mistaken, and the greatest teachers 
on earth may come to wrong conclusions, and 
point out the wrong path; but the Bible always 
points in the right direction. It guides us in all 
the relationships of life. In every condition, in 
every position that we may be called to occupy, 
we may find here suitable instruction. - 

Are some to rule and control the interests of 
others? They are to be "just, ruling in the fear 
of God." Are others so situated that it becomes 
necessary for them to submit to the authority of 
others? The language of inspiration is, "submit 
yourself to every ordinance of men for the Lord's 
sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; or 
unto governors, as unto them that are sent by 
him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the 
praise of them that do well." Are you a parent? 
"And ye fathers, provoke not your children to 
wrath : but bring them up in the nurture and ad- 
monition of the Lord." Are you still within the 
limits of parental control ? " Children obey your 
parents in all things : for this is well-pleasing unto 
the Lord." Are you a master? " Give unto your 



340 LECTUEES TO YOUNG MEN. 

servants that which is just and equal; knowing 
that ye also have a master in heaven." Are you 
a servant? "Obey in all things your masters ac- 
cording to the flesh." Have you enemies ? " Love 
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good 
to them that hate you, and pray for them which 
despitefully use you, and persecute you." And do 
you wish to know how to act toward your fellow- 
beings generally? "Do good unto all men, es- 
pecially unto them who are of the household of 
faith." 

This is true not only of individuals, but, also, 
of nations, and of the whole human family. All 
may find in the word of God suitable instruction ; 
something to guide them in all the vicissitudes of 
life. And if, as a young man, you have had, and 
now have an opportunity of reading the Holy 
Scriptures, and are still ignorant of the path of 
duty, still following the inclinations of an evil 
heart, and are still in the road to death, you are 
without excuse. For the way in which we should 
walk is so plainly pointed out thereby, that "the 
wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err 
therein." 

Again, God guides by his Spirit. 

"While the "Word of God seems to have been 
given more especially to guide man in his exter- 
nal relations, the Spirit is given to inspire the 
heart with proper thoughts and affections, and to 
produce that feeling of dependence upon, and sub- 
mission to God, which prompts us to look up to 
him as the source of happiness, and to be gov- 
erned by him in all things pertaining to our sal- 
vation. This is the great object in view upon the 
part of Deity, when he sends the Divine Spirit to 
operate upon the human heart. It is by its soft, 
and silent, and yet powerful influences, to lead 
man in the path which is so plainly marked out 



NECESSITY OF DIVINE DIRECTION. 341 

by the Word of God. This it does for all men, 
at every turn of life, if they will but yield to those 
influences; for "it takes of the things of Christ, 
and reveals them to us." 

No matter what may be our preconceived no- 
tions, or how much we may oppose the Christian 
religion, or how much we may love the ways of 
sin, it reveals to us our condition; urges us to 
"depart from iniquity," and to obey the com- 
mands of God. Let us be where we may, in the 
wide waste, or in the city full, on the pathless 
ocean, or on the cloud-capt mountain-top, there 
is the Spirit of God, to enlighten the mind, to 
show us our danger on the one hand, and the way 
of safety on the other. In the darkest hours of 
distress, it is ever ready with its consolations to 
cheer the heart, and to urge us on in our journey 
to the skies. 

In the last place, God guides us by his provi- 
dence, and by his judgments. 

It is true that some of the dispensations of his 
providence may be dark, and his judgments past 
finding out. They may, at present, be mysterious. 
But, though clouds and darkness are round about 
him, justice and mercy are the habitation of his 
throne. A vail may separate between us and his 
throne, and behind that vail he may transact the 
affairs of the universe, where no mortal eye can 
see him. We may look with astonishment at va- 
rious events that transpire around us, and may 
wonder at the " pestilence which walketh in dark- 
ness," at the devastating storm as it sweeps away 
the habitations of men ; we may wonder why it is 
that those who are yet young and may still be 
useful to their fellow-beings, are permitted so soon 
to fall victims to the monster death; while those 
who are worn down bj r age and affliction are per- 
mitted to remain so long in pain and sorrow; 



342 LECTUKES TO YOUNG MEN. 

these and a thousand other things may be beyond 
our comprehension. 

But, after all, the design of an all-wise Being 
is, to teach man knowledge, and to show him the 
right path. And if he will pay proper attention 
to the operations of his hand, he will soon learn 
the important lesson which the Prophet had 
learned when he said, "When thy judgments are 
abroad in the land, the inhabitants thereof will 
learn righteousness." Most young men, however, 
pay but little attention to this branch of the di- 
vine administration. So careless are they in re- 
gard to it, that scarcely any impression is made 
upon their minds by any thing which may occur 
around them. 

How strange ! that after God has done so much 
to enlighten the mind of man, to elevate his moral 
condition, and to impart peace and joy to his heart, 
that he should treat his offers with contempt! 
And how sad the reflection, that so many who 
have the Word, and Spirit, and providence of God 
to guide them in the most difficult scenes of life, 
and, finally, to the shores of immortality, are re- 
jecting the " counsel" of God, and seem deter- 
mined to pursue a course that will lead them to 
eternal ruin. 

III. Thirdly, the great object in view, upon the 
part of Deity, in guiding man while he is in a 
state of probation. 

This object must be man's happiness in this 
world, and his final glorification. 

One of the three following propositions must be 
true : God either designs that we shall be miser- 
able, or he is indifferent as to our condition; or 
he desires our present happiness and eternal sal- 
vation. If we acknowledge that God is the Crea- 
tor of all things, we are bound to admit one of 
these propositions. 



NECESSITY OF DIVINE BISECTION. 343 

The first can not be true; for if God bad in- 
tended that man should be miserable, it would 
have been a very easy matter for him so to have 
made him. Every thing in the natural world 
would have been quite differently arranged. In 
the place of the sweetest harmony, for instance, 
every sound would have been a discord. That 
which is now most pleasing to the eye, and beauti- 
ful to behold, would have been loathesome in its 
appearance ; while every touch would have pro- 
duced the most painful sensation. But as this is 
not the case, as there are so many harmonious 
sounds, and beautiful scenes, and pleasurable sen- 
sations enjoyed by man, we must conclude that 
the design of an all- wise Being was not that he 
should be miserable. 

Nor can it be said that he is indifferent as to 
our condition ; for when we look around us we 
see that too much has been done, and is still being 
done for men, which goes to contradict such a 
statement. All nature seems to be working to 
man's advantage ; and in ways almost innumerable 
is he invited to take a higher and still a higher 
stand, that he may enjoy more fully the blessings 
which his Creator has provided for him. In fact, 
scarcely one in a thousand can be found, who comes 
up to the* standard of happiness which is attain- 
able on earth, if man would but act his part. 

Then the last proposition must be true ; that is, 
God desires the happiness of his creature man. 
And the fact that he has given us a capacity to 
enjoy such things as are conducive to our happi- 
ness, and all the means of acquiring it, is evidence 
of the correctness of this position. In addition to 
this, he enlightens the mind of man, that he may 
have correct ideas as to the means of happiness ; 
points out the way of safety in all the different 
departments of life; guides us by his counsel; 



344 LECTUEES TO. YOUNG MEN. 

" holds us by the right hand ;" and not omy en- 
ables us to secure the largest amount of happiness 
that can be enjoyed in this life, but, at the same 
time, to anticipate the joys of the celestial world. 

But you should observe that the words of the 
text implies, not only a willingness upon the part 
of Deity to guide man in the way of happiness, 
but a willingness upon the part of man to submit 
to his instruction and direction. The Psalmist 
says, " Thou shalt guide me," which implies, " I 
am willing to be guided by thee." As much as if 
he had said, " I will forsake the ways of sin, and 
all its pleasurable amusements; I will no longer 
follow my own inclinations ; no longer trample 
upon thy laws; no longer resist the influence of 
thy grace and Spirit upon my heart; no longer 
neglect thy word ; no longer be governed by the 
opinions and example of others ; no longer be 
guided by the flickering lights held up by men, 
but thou shalt be my guide." 

Pursuing a course of this kind, he now has a 
right to look to heaven as his future home. Hence 
he says, "Afterward (thou shalt) receive me to 
glory." " When I shall have walked long enough 
in thy ways ; done all the work which thou hast 
assigned me ; filled up my course among men ; 
borne, with patience, the privations, misfortunes, 
and disappointments of life ; when I, by pursuing 
the course which thou hast pointed out, shall have 
been sanctified by the influence of divine grace, 
and made fit meat for the master's use, then " thou 
shalt receive me to glory." Observe, the author 
of the text did not expect this without the neces- 
sary qualification. And he was willing to adopt 
those measures, and to use those means by which 
he might be qualified. 

Let that young man, who has been raised by 
pious parents, taught the doctrines of the Bible 



NECESSITY OF DIVINE DIRECTION. 345 

in the days of his childhood, and who understands 
the plan of salvation as revealed in the Gospel of 
Christ, remember that all these things will not 
prepare him for the glory referred to in the text, 
but that the heart must be brought under submis- 
sion to the will of God. 

Many who, in their early days, were religiously 
inclined, from the pious instructions ; which they 
received from their parents, have departed from 
the counsel of God, hardened themselves in wicked- 
ness, and now, with all their literary fame and 
scientific investigations, are in the road that leads 
to death. How important, then, that all young 
men should remember the divine injunction, " In 
all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct 
thy steps." The promise to such is, that they 
shall be received to glory. 

But what is implied by the term glory ? This 
we are unable to explain, or to comprehend fully. 
The author of the text, though he had a general 
idea of the meaning of this term, and used it ap- 
propriately, did not fully understand all that was 
meant by it. As used in the text, it may refer, 
literally, to the brightness and splendor that was 
visible, at certain times, in the tabernacle that was 
built by Moses in the wilderness, or to the same 
as witnessed by the Jewish high priests in the 
temple built by Solomon. Whatever else may be 
included in the meaning of this term, there is, 
doubtless, allusion to the bright manifestations of 
the divine presence to those around the throne of 
God. 

In this land of sorrow, where the mind is dark- 
ened by sin, shrouded in ignorance, and blinded 
by the god of this world, we have but a faint 
conception of the glory of the eternal world. We 
may feel its power in our hearts, we may see that 
others realize its influence in life and in the hour 



346 LECTUKES TO YOUKG MEN. 

of death, but eternity alone can unfold to our 
minds all that is meant by being received into 
glory. 

In conclusion, does the young reader desire, 
when the cares of life have passed away, to enter 
into glory ? Who does not wish to live with the 
redeemed around the throne of God, and to be 
associated with the spirits of just men made per- 
fect? 

Such a desire is almost universal among those 
who have any idea of the heavenly world. And 
you, young man, though you may be thoughtless 
and prayerless, though you may be neglecting the 
teachings of the Bible, and resisting the influence 
of the divine spirit, you wish to live finally, in 
that bright world. 

But bear in mind, that an entrance there can 
only be obtained by pursuing the course that 
David, the author of the text, did. In imagina- 
tion, we see him as he resolves to make heaven 
his final and eternal home, and the grounds upon 
which he was induced to form this resolution. He 
contemplates the path of sin, and sees that it leads 
to interminable woe and misery. He looks along 
the path of the just, and sees that it leads to a 
life of endless joy and happiness. And while he 
desires " the lot of the righteous," he reflects, " if 
I make man my guide, I shall be led astray ; for 
the best men in all ages have had their failings. 
I can not depend upon my own reason and judg- 
ment, for they are not sufficient to guide me in 
the right way. However earnest I may be in the 
service of God, and however honest I may be with 
myself, and with the author of my existence, I 
am inclined to rely upon my own righteousness 
and good performances. "When I go to men for 
instruction, there are so many various opinions, 
there is so much speculation and vain philosophy, 



NECESSITY OF DIVINE DIRECTION. 347 

so much uncertainty as to the correctness of their 
reasonings, that I am still left in the dark. And 
while he thus reflects upon his condition, and his 
exposure to eternal ruin, knowing that God was 
infinite in wisdom and power, and ready to sus- 
tain and guide all who would put their trust in 
him; we hear him exclaim, in the language of 
the text, " thou shalt guide me by thy counsel, 
and afterward receive me to glory." 

Young man, you may have your mind fixed 
upon the wealth, the honors, and the pleasures of 
the world. You may be seeking for distinction 
and position among men. Be this as it may, ne- 
glect not the counsel of God. The world with all 
its wealth, men with all his honor, distinction, 
and greatness, will soon pass away. And they 
alone who have walked according to divine direc- 
tion, can expect to be received into glory, and 
dwell with God for ever. 



THE END. 



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